On October 1, 2015, a modification of the General Traffic Regulations entered into force in Spain, which includes rules for the use of seat belts, as well as a description of safety measures when children are traveling in a car. The statistics in this matter leave much to be desired, traffic accidents are the leading cause of child mortality in developed countries, primarily because seat belts do not protect children, because their legs due to age and growth do not reach the floor.
So, the main points of the modification from October 1, 2015 regarding the passage of children in a car in Spain:
- for children up to 1.35 m tall, it is mandatory to travel in a special child car seat, which is installed on the back row of seats. The only exception is when all the seats in the back row are occupied by other children, in this situation minors can travel in the front seat in a car seat with homologation;
- the age of children (up to 12 years) is not the main reason for using children’s seats, the height of the child is important today, i.e. it should be less than 1.35 m;
- child seats of group 0 or 0+ must be installed in the opposite direction of movement of the car. This position of the child’s seat allows to provide the greatest protection of the head, neck and spine. The child seat must be replaced when the child weighs more than 13 kg and his head goes beyond the limits of the seat;
- it is very important that the child seat corresponds to the age and growth of the child. It must be remembered that all children’s seats must have an approval sticker, which is a guarantee that the seat meets all safety standards established by European standards.
The fine for not following the rules for transporting children in a car in Spain can amount to 200 euros, and you can also lose three points of your driver’s license, according to the Spanish system. In addition, police officers have the right to prohibit your further movement.
A child’s seat in Spain: for what age of the child is it mandatory to use it?
The child must travel in a child seat appropriate for his age and weight until the height of the child exceeds 1.35 m, i.e. up to approximately 12 years. When growing over 1.35 m, the use of a child seat is no longer necessary. The Department of Road Traffic (DGT), in turn, recommends using a child seat whenever possible until the child reaches 1.50 m in height, from which point parents can choose between a standard seat belt and a child seat of the third group (from 22 to 30 kg).
Is it possible to travel with children without a child seat in a taxi in Spain?
Yes, it is possible, but only in urban areas and in no case on highways. It is always necessary to ask the driver to take his time and observe the minimum permissible speed.
If you plan to go outside the city by taxi, when ordering, ask for a car with a child seat.
If you have other questions related to your stay in Spain, contact our service center. We hope that our article was useful for you, you learned and are going to apply the rules for transporting children in Spain by car.