Legality of booster seat in middle of rear?

Hi Guys,

What is the deal with legislation in connection with seat belts in the middle of the back seat? Are children legally okay to be strapped in the middle on a booster if there is only a lap belt and not a full belt?

Asking as number three is due for August - number two and three will need a full belt for their car seats so number one will be bumped into the middle.

Thanks

Clodagh

Clodagh Monks (Cork)

May 2010 Filed under: child or baby seats

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Expert answer

Hi Clodagh, we weren't sure of this, so we put it to the Road Safety Authority.

Their spokesperson told us the following: "It is legal but not safe. Lap belts pose a serious threat to a child's welfare and in a collision there is a risk of spinal injury. The medical community call it 'Lap Belt Syndrome'. Ideally the child should be in a three point belt using a booster seat or cushion. check out www.rsa.ie and the child safety in cars information on the Road Safety Education Section for more details."

 

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