Is 13 too old to use a booster seat?

Question

My son is 13 years old and will soon be 14 the law says he is no longer required to use a booster seat in the car. However he continues to use one because he says he just likes it. We have said to him multiple times he can get rid of it but he all ways replies no. I have no idea why he would want to sit on a hard plastic seat that he has had since he was 6. But what i do want to know is, Is this illegal under UK law? should i continue to let him use it or throw the baby seat away and say NO? and if you no longer need one but still use one at what age should you stop using one.

Answer 1

You should check that it will take his weight, as it could be dangerous if he is too big for it. Is he particularly small for his age?

Answer 2

He's had the seat since he was six? Forget about weight and height, it's probably expired! You shouldn't just through it out, you should destroy it!



As for it being illegal. No, I don't think there is any place that I know of that gives a max age to use a restraint as long as they are within the limits and it is not past it's expiration date.



I'd say give him the 5-step test, and if he passes, have him use the seat belt without a booster. If he doesn't, get him a booster that fits his height and weight. (A backless one would be good if your car has headrests, if it doesn't you need a high back.)



Here's a link for the 5-step test. http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm You'd be surprised how many 12 year olds can't pass it. I wouldn't be that surprised if some older kids couldn't, either. The comfort issue could very well be that the seatbelt doesn't fit well without it.

Answer 3

No, I heard 8yr or 80 lb and your over 80 lbs. My daughter is likewise small for her age. She likes to apply a booster seat on long rode journeys because of the cup holder and he or she is larger to look out on the atmosphere. She is 12 now. and that i'd never make her take a seat in a booster seat because of the fact that's not age appropriate.

Answer 4

not illegal.



as long as he has a head restaint, he should be ok to keep using it.



as long as his backside fits in! my nephew is nearly 10. he generally sits without the booster, due to bum-size. and he's not huge. he has a booster in my car, as the back seats are quite tall.his choice.



i think he is ok with or without.



i would get your son to try riding without the plastic booster and see how nice and soft the proper seat is.



or damage it! so he can't use it anymore...



most people have the other problem. my 6 year old hates his booster...or whatever.

Answer 5

No legal obligation. The law is if your head is too low on the seatbelt, no restrictions height wise.

He might prefer to use the seat purely because he's used it for so long, and that's what a car journey is to him, but I've never used one.

Answer 6

The age limit is based upon the average height of children at that age. The law should be based upon the height of the individual, not their age. Weight comes into play for child safety seats. Not illegal that I know of. Maybe he likes it because it offers better visibility.

Answer 7

I am a 14-year-old myself, and I can't imagine myself ever using a booster seat.

I guess it really depends...how tall is he?

If he's taller than 5' ft, he really shouldn't be using that thing, so I'd suggest telling him NO and throwing it away..

Answer 8

Here's a hint. You are the adult. He is the child. You make the rules. He obeys. When he goes to school one day, throw it out, along with his nappies, dummy and teddy bear. If you continue to let him make his own rules, he will never grow up and learn to become an adult. Grow up yourself and sort this out before you have a monster on your hands.

Answer 9

I think he will soon want to stop using it when his friends start pointing and making jokes about him acting like a big baby, it's usually peer pressure that wins the day, even when parential logic fails.

Answer 10

It won't be illegal.

He probably likes being higher up