The EU has a new set of laws (Directive 2003/20/EC), regarding the use of child seats, booster seats, and seatbelts for teens/adults. For travelers with elementary school age kids, coming from the US, this may be an eye opener for us. Here in California, my 6 year old could legally ride without a booster seat. (He doesn't, but he theoretically could.) In Europe he MUST use a booster seat. The new laws went into effect in May 2006 for Italy, and September 2006 for the UK. The new law says that children over 3 and under 12, that are less than 135 cm (53.1 inches or 4'5.1") must be in a booster seat.
The following information was culled from several articles and press releases:
* Prior to these new regulations, children aged between three and 11 have been obliged to use the appropriate seat or cushion "if available" - now they have to use it full stop, with only a few exemptions.
* Children under 12 and less than 135cm tall may not travel in the front of a car without an appropriate seat or cushion, under any circumstances.
* Children under three may not travel without an appropriate seat, whether they are in the front or the back, except in the rear of a taxi
* It becomes illegal to use a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat protected by an airbag
Children between age 3 and 12, that are less than 135 cm's must use child safety seats (boosters or five point harnesses). There are only 3 exceptions to the rule where the child must use the adult seat belt:
* in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle;
* if the child is traveling on a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity; (so not on regular school runs, but you don't need to worry if you are picking up a friend's child because he or she has been unexpectedly detained at work)
* if there are two occupied child restraints in the rear which prevent the fitment of a third.
In addition:
* Children under three may travel in the back of a taxi without a special seat or cushion, as mentioned above
* In old cars with no seat belts - children between three and 12 may travel in the back seat, though the Department for Transport points out that this is "not safe"
* Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and police cars, are exempt
Here are three more changes:
* Seated bus and coach passengers over the age of 14 must use seat belts where fitted (rules regarding younger children traveling in buses and coaches will be put forward at a later date)
* From May 2008, child and baby seats must meet a standard known as UN ECE regulation 44.03, or the more recent standard 44.04 - this means they will be marked with an E and the numbers 44.03, or .03 or .04
* From May 2009, all passengers in any vehicle will have to use an appropriate restraint (baby seat, child seat, booster seat/cushion) or seat belt, where seat belts are fitted
The European directive on seatbelts sets minimum standards, which countries must observe. Some of them choose to aim higher.
Unfortunately, the auto rental agencies seem to think it's ok to charge the same price as a new booster, for a weeks rental of a booster seat. We'll be giving up some of our precious baggage space to fit in 2 backless boosters.
I've been asking on various US based car seat and parenting message boards, and the general consensus is that a US certified booster seat is ok to use since we'll be traveling on a travel visas , even though it doesn't meet the EU certification. I've emailed Graco and SafeguardGo, and learned that the turbo booster and the safeguard go seats are not currently certified for the EU.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Posts: 332 | Location: San Diego | Registered: 26 November 2006
Katie, I'm so glad you posted this. I had no idea my 11 yr old might need a car seat on our vacation this summer...now where did I put that measuring tape?!
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