Car Seat Laws in France?

Question

We are going on holiday to France later this year and have arranged a hire car. Whilst making the online booking it asked the ages of my children - 4 and 6 - and then offered me ONE car seat. Does the 6 year old need a car seat? Even if the law there doesn't require children aged 6 to have a car seat I'm not sure I'm comfortable with it. She's fairly small and I don't think a regular seat belt is adequate. Can I insist that they give me a booster for her? Or do I have to try and squish one in my suitcase?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

The law allows children under 12 to stop using child seats or cushions at 4ft 5in (135cm), but the government recommends they continue until they reach 4ft 11in (150cm).

A child under 12 and less than 135cm tall can travel in the front if he/she has the right seat or cushion for his/her weight, and the airbag does not present a danger (parents are advised to consult the car handbook).

No, not under any circumstances is a child under three is allowed to travel in the family car without a baby seat or child seat.

If there is no airbag, or if the airbag has been deactivated a baby may travel in a rear-facing baby seat in the front of the car.

The Department for Transport says: "If there is an ‘unexpected necessity’ there is an exemption for a child of three years or more to wear an adult belt on a short journey when no appropriate child seat is available. The exemption is not intended to cover regular school runs or other journeys that are planned in advance."

The Dept for Transport says it is better to use the correct child seat or booster cushion in the front than an adult seat belt in the back, as long as the airbag is suitable for use with a child passenger (parents should consult the car handbook). The front seat should be as far back as possible from the airbag.

It is legal for children aged between three and 12 to travel without car seats or cushions in the rear of a car without seat belts, but the Department for Transport warns that this is unsafe.

Police can issue on the spot fines of £30, but the maximum fine is £500 if a case goes to court.

This is all that I could fine, hope that it helps and drive safe.