I am hiring a car in Germany - do I need to bring a child seat for my 5 year old as I have been informed?

Question

I have been told its the law (by someone who has lived there) that children are required to sit in child seats in Germany - what happens when hiring a car if this is true? I am visting the country in April with my 5 year old and can't believe this is correct. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

yes you proboly should!

Answer 2

yes, 5 years olds have to be in a childseat in germany.

i think the fine if you dont do so is at least 50 euros, thats almost the same amount in dollars.

kids have to be in a childseat until they are 12 or over a certain amount of kilos.

Answer 3

Yes, it is the LAW in Germany until the kids are about 12 ( depending on their height ).... German police officers WILL give tickets for this....

Answer 4

If you are renting from a reliable company they should provide you with a child seat, and yes, it is required in most of the EU countries.

Answer 5

Yup, very true and it makes tons of sense, too! But the rental company should be able to tell you if they have a seat available, just send them an email!

Besides it being the law it is also toooons safer than a simple foam booster seat! Have you considered that safety might is more important then inconvenience? Still, a booster might be considered sufficient for you child, depending on his/her height. A car seat would be safer even in a fender bender though and since you´ll be driving in a foreign country which different laws, generous speed limits (some strips on the autobahn have no limits but the recommended speed is still 130 km/h) and alot of impatient (if not to say aggressive :-D) drivers, you might want to consider going through the hassle - after all, you have spend the last 5 years of your life protecting your child, right? If you have a decent booster just take it with you, the airline might just check it for you as an extra - I´ve done that before.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Answer 6

Many countries are now adopting new laws that young children need to be in car seats or booster seats. Not only do you not want to break the law where you're travelling but you also want your child to be safe. Some car rental places have them available for rent or you can buy one and keep the receipt and then return it when you're leaving for a refund.

Answer 7

Yes, it´s a law that all children, that are under the age of twelve or smaller than 1,40m have to sit in a child seat, bc it´s much safer. But I´m sure the car rental firm will borrow you such a seat. Happy travelling!