Am I allowed to drive with a child without a car seat in Denmark?
No — children who are under 135 cm tall must use approved safety equipment in the car. Under Road Traffic Act §80a a child under 135 cm must use a child seat or booster suited to height and weight, not just the ordinary seat belt. At 135 cm and above the child can use the ordinary belt. A rear-facing seat may not be placed on a front seat with an active airbag — the airbag must be deactivated. In a car without seat belts a child under 3 may not be carried at all. The driver is responsible for ensuring children under 15 are secured. A breach brings 2,000 kr, 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund and a clip.
📋 The rules
- A child under 135 cm must use an approved child seat
- The seat must be suited to height and weight
- A rear-facing seat may not be in front of an active airbag
- Without belts: a child under 3 may not be carried
- Fine: 2,000 kr + 1,000 kr + a clip
🔓 Exceptions
- In occasional transport a child of 3 and above may use the ordinary belt in the back
- In a taxi a child of 3 and above can sit in the back with the ordinary belt
- If there is no room for a third child seat, a child of 3 and above may use the belt
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving with an unsecured child under 135 cm brings a fine of 2,000 kr, 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund and a clip on the licence. The driver is responsible for children under 15.
📎 Official sources
- Road Traffic Act §80a · Retsinformation →
- Safe Traffic · Children in the car →
- Borger.dk · Safety in the car →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I drive with a child without a car seat?
No. Children under 135 cm must use an approved child seat or booster suited to height and weight.
Up to what height must the child use a seat?
Until the child is 135 cm tall. At 135 cm and above it can use the ordinary seat belt.
Can I put a child seat in front of the airbag?
A rear-facing seat may not be on a front seat with an active airbag. The airbag must be deactivated.
Who is responsible for securing the child?
The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 15 are secured in the car.
What is the penalty for an unsecured child?
2,000 kr, 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund and a clip on the licence.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I drive without child seat denmark”
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- “booster child”