We are going to France and Netherlands

Question

And we are taking our 4 year old and 2 1/2 year old. Do we need to use car seats in the vehicles there. Or do we need them on the plane? Are there any special laws/rules local courtesies that we need to know about?

Answer 1

Yes, they need to be on a special car seat until they reach the length of 135cm. You dont have to use them on the plane, only in cars.

Answer 2

A nice site to check out all the rules & regulations of driving in mainland Europe (in English) is the British "Automobile Association'

They have general tips on driving in Europe http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ove... and also country specific laws including the info concerning your kids

Netherlands -

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/tou... "Passengers/children in cars: Children up to the age of 18 and less than 1.35m in height cannot travel as a front or rear seat passenger unless using a suitable restraint system adapted to their size. Suitable child restraint systems must meet the safety approval of ECE 44/03 or 44/04. If the vehicle is not fitted with rear seat belts children under 3 are not permitted to travel in the vehicle. Children under 3 are permitted to travel in the front seats if using a rear facing child seat with the airbag deactivated (if fitted). If the vehicle's front seats are not fitted with seat belts only passengers measuring 1.35m or more may travel in the front seat"

France - http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/tou... Passengers/Children in cars: Children under the age of 10 are not permitted to travel on the front seats of vehicles, unless there are no rear seats or the rear seats are already occupied with children under 10 or there are no seat belts. In these circumstances a child must not be placed in the front seats with their back to the road if the vehicle is fitted with a passenger airbag, unless it is deactivated. They must travel in an approved child seat or restraint adapted to their size. A baby up to 13kg must be carried in a rear facing baby seat. A child between 9 and 18kg must be seated in a child seat and a child from 15kg up to 10 years can use a booster seat with a seat belt or a harness. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers under 18 are appropriately restrained.

At least in the Netherlands if you pre-book a taxi or a rental car you are able to get ones with child seats if you ask - although for France I am not sure