Child Seat Laws In Austria: What Parents Should Know

In Austria, it is compulsory for children under the age of 14 and shorter than 150 cm to be secured in a vehicle using a suitable restraint system. This includes baby seats, child seats, and booster seats. Children taller than 135 cm must be secured using a seatbelt, and it is recommended that those shorter than 150 cm use a child restraint. These rules apply to both the front and rear seats, with additional regulations regarding the use of airbags in the front passenger seat. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all children under 14 are transported safely, with each child occupying their own seat.

Child seats in taxis

In Austria, it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 14 are transported safely. This means that each child must have their own seat and be secured using a suitable restraint system. For children under the age of 14 and shorter than 135 cm, this could be a baby seat, child seat, or booster seat. Children taller than 135 cm should be secured with a seatbelt, and a child restraint is recommended for those shorter than 150 cm.

These rules apply to all vehicles, including taxis. However, it is worth noting that not all taxis in Austria may have the necessary child seats available. In such cases, you may need to use alternative transportation or hold your child on your lap, but this is not recommended for safety reasons. Some taxi companies offer child seats, so it is best to inquire in advance or specifically request a taxi with a child seat when booking.

When installing a child seat in a taxi, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the seat. Ensure that the seat is properly secured and that the child is safely strapped in. If you are unsure about the installation, don't hesitate to ask the taxi driver for assistance. They should be familiar with the process and may be able to help.

Additionally, keep in mind that in Austria, children under 14 are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat if it is equipped with an active front passenger airbag. If the airbag cannot be deactivated, the child seat must face forward. A rear-facing child seat can only be used in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.

Child seats in rental cars

In Austria, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that children under the age of 14 are transported safely in the vehicle. This includes ensuring that each child sits in their own seat and that they are secured using a suitable restraint system.

Children under the age of 14 and under 135 cm (4'5") tall must be secured using a restraint system such as a baby seat, child seat, or booster seat. It is recommended that children shorter than 150 cm (4'11") use a child restraint. The specific type of seat required depends on the weight and height of the child:

• Babies (0-13kg; birth to 80cm) must be in a seat rated group 0/0+.
• Small children (9-18kg; 70-105cm) must be in a seat rated group 1.
• Older children (15-36kg; 100-135cm) must be in a seat rated group 2 or 3.

Children who are 13 years old and taller than 135 cm must be secured using a seatbelt. However, it is recommended that they continue to use a child restraint until they are 150 cm tall.

These requirements apply to both private cars and rental cars. It is important to note that failure to comply with these requirements when transporting children in a vehicle can result in a fine and an endorsement under the demerit point system.

When renting a car in Austria, it is advisable to request child seats in advance to ensure that the rental company can provide them. Some companies may offer child seats as an optional extra, while others may include them in the rental package. It is also the responsibility of the child's parent or guardian to fit the child seat correctly.

Child seat laws for babies

Overview

In Austria, child safety laws dictate that all children under the age of 14 and shorter than 150 cm must be secured in a vehicle using a suitable restraint system. The specific requirements depend on the child's weight and height. These laws apply to all vehicles, including rental cars, taxis, and private cars.

Child Seat Requirements for Babies

Babies fall under the weight category of 0-13 kg and the height category of birth to 80 cm. According to Austrian law, babies must be secured in a seat rated as Group 0/0+.

Booster Seat Requirements for Older Children

As children grow taller and heavier, they transition to different car seat categories. Small children weighing 9-18 kg and standing between 70 and 105 cm must use a seat rated as Group 1. Older children in the 15-36 kg weight range and between 100 and 135 cm in height must use a seat rated as Group 2 or 3.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that each child must occupy their own seat, and it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all children under 14 are safely secured. While child seats can be used in front passenger seats, specific guidelines regarding airbag activation must be followed. If the front passenger seat is equipped with an airbag, the child seat must face forward unless the airbag is deactivated or automatically switches off.

Compliance and Penalties

Compliance with these laws is crucial, as failure to secure children appropriately can result in fines and endorsements under Austria's demerit point system. Repeated offences may lead to penalties, including mandatory attendance at a course on correctly securing children in vehicles.

Child seat laws for older children

In Austria, it is compulsory for all vehicle occupants to wear a seatbelt. The driver is responsible for ensuring that children under the age of 14 are transported safely. Children under 14 and less than 1.5 metres in height must use a suitable restraint system, such as a baby seat, child seat, or booster seat. Children taller than 1.35 metres should be secured using a seatbelt, although a child restraint is recommended for those shorter than 1.5 metres.

For example, a 13-year-old child who is 1.30 metres tall must be secured using a child seat, whereas a 13-year-old child who is 1.40 metres tall must be secured using a seatbelt. Each child must sit in their own seat. Sports cars may not transport children under 14.

Controls and penalties for non-compliance are strict and can result in fines and endorsements under the demerit point system. If two offences are committed within a two-year period, a penalty will be applied, which may include mandatory attendance at a course to teach how to secure a child in a car.

Child seat laws for different vehicles

In Austria, it is compulsory for all vehicle occupants to wear a seatbelt. The law also requires that children under the age of 14 and shorter than 150 cm use a suitable restraint system, such as a baby seat, child seat, or booster seat. This rule applies to both front and rear seats. Children taller than 135 cm must be secured with a seatbelt, and it is recommended that they use a child restraint if they are shorter than 150 cm. Each child must sit in their own seat.

For babies (birth to 80 cm or 0-13 kg), a seat rated group 0/0+ is required. Small children (70-105 cm or 9-18 kg) need a seat rated group 1, while older children (100-135 cm or 15-36 kg) must use a seat rated group 2 or 3.

When using a front passenger seat with an active airbag, the child seat must face forwards. A rear-facing child seat can only be used in the front if the airbag is deactivated or switches off automatically.

These regulations apply to all vehicles, including rental cars and taxis. However, it is worth noting that some taxi companies may provide cars with child seats, and buses are another option for those travelling without a child seat.

Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and endorsements under the demerit point system. Repeated offences may lead to penalties such as mandatory attendance at a course on properly securing children in vehicles.

Frequently asked questions