Child restraints

The driver of the vehicle is always responsible for ensuring that children under the age of 14 are transported safely in the vehicle.

Each child must sit in their own seat (i.e. only one child can sit in each seat).

Drivers must ensure that children under the age of 14 and under 135 cm tall are secured in the vehicle using a suitable restraint system (such as a baby seat, child seat, booster seat, etc.). Drivers must ensure that children taller than 135 cm are suitably secured using a seatbelt; a child restraint is recommended for all children shorter than 150 cm.

Child seats can also be used on the front passenger seat(s). If the front passenger seat is equipped with a front passenger airbag, and if the airbag is activated, the child seat must face forwards. A rear-facing child seat (also known as a "reboard system") can only be used in a front passenger seat with a front airbag if that airbag is deactivated or switches itself off automatically.

Failure to comply with these requirements when transporting children in a vehicle is punishable by both a fine and an endorsement under the demerit point system (Vormerksystem). If you commit two offences that carry an endorsement within a period of two years, a penalty will be applied. One of the potential penalties may be mandatory attendance at a course to teach you how to secure a child in the car.

Further links

Leaflet "Keeping Baby Safe on Board" (→ BMK)^{German text}

Legal basis

Section 106 of the Kraftfahrgesetz (KFG)