Can I carry my child without a car seat?
No. Children under 135 cm must always travel in an approved child restraint (SRI) suited to their height and weight (seat or booster), and as a rule in the rear seats. Not using it, or using an unsuitable device, is a serious offence: EUR 200. Babies must travel rear-facing as long as possible, and never in a rear-facing seat in the front with the airbag active. The seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants, front and rear. The driver is responsible.
📋 The rules
- Approved SRI mandatory for children under 135 cm
- Suited to the child's height and weight (seat or booster)
- As a rule, in the rear seats
- Babies rear-facing as long as possible
- Never rear-facing in the front with the airbag active
🔓 Exceptions
- City taxis: the child can travel in the rear with the belt if no SRI
- More than two systems that don't fit in the rear: limited cases for the front
- Seatbelt mandatory for all vehicle occupants
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Carrying a child under 135 cm without an SRI or with an unsuitable device is a serious offence: EUR 200, for which the driver is responsible. Beyond the fine, a missing or misused system multiplies the risk of serious injury in a crash: the SRI must be approved and well fitted. A rear-facing seat in the front with the airbag on is especially dangerous.
📎 Official sources
- DGT · Child restraint systems →
- BOE · General Circulation Regulation →
- Administración · Children in the car →
❓ Frequently asked
Up to what height is a car seat mandatory?
Up to 135 cm. Below that height, the child must travel in an approved child restraint suited to their size, and as a rule in the rear seats.
What's the fine for no car seat?
EUR 200, as it's a serious offence. The driver is responsible. Beyond the fine, not using an approved, well-fitted SRI multiplies the risk of serious injury to the child in a crash.
Can the child sit in front?
As a rule they must sit in the rear. Only in limited cases (e.g. when more systems don't fit in the rear) can they sit in front with their SRI. Never rear-facing in front if the airbag is active.
Until when rear-facing?
Babies and small children should travel rear-facing as long as possible, as it better protects the neck and head in an impact. Follow the seat maker's height and weight guidance.
And in a taxi?
In the city, a child can travel in the taxi's rear seats with the belt if no suitable restraint is available. It's an exception; in your own vehicle the SRI stays mandatory up to 135 cm.
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