Child restraint systems
All children under 150cm in height
36kg 150cm or or 36kg in weight must use a child restraint system (CRS) suitable for their height and weight while travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi). An example of a CRS would be a child car seat or high-back booster seat. Regulation R129/i-Size has specific height metrics.
Since 1 September 2024, child seats approved to Regulation R44 can no
longer be sold by retailers, marketplaces and e-commerce in the EU. Seats made available from these suppliers must now comply with Regulation R129. Child seats approved to R129 have undergone more rigorous testing and provide improved head and neck protection compared to seats approved to the previous R44 regulation.
Rear-facing child car seats must not be used in passenger seats protected by an active frontal airbag. An airbag that deploys (opens up) in front of a rear-facing child car seat can cause serious injury or even death if there is a collision.
There is no law against children sitting in the front seat, as long as they are using the right child restraint for their height and weight. However, it is illegal to use a rear-facing child car seat in a passenger seat protected by an airbag. The deployment of an airbag where a rear–facing child car seat is in place can cause serious injury or even death to the child.
Please refer to the vehicle handbook regarding the use of car seats on the front passenger seat with regards to the airbag.
It is illegal to place a rear-facing child seat in the front where there is an active airbag. You may receive at least 3 penalty points on your driving licence as a penalty. Drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that all passengers under 17 are appropriately restrained in the vehicle.
Children should always travel in the back of the car, away from active frontal airbags and the dashboard.
Taxi and bus drivers are exempt from supplying child car seats.