Car seats: at what age?

« Your child is under 10 years of age: »

A child under 10 years of age shall be settled in the rear of the vehicle and shall be restrained by an approved restraint system specific to his/her age, weight and body shape.

However, a child under 10 years of age may be settled in the front in the following cases:

• The child is settled in a baby device « back to the road » on the front passenger seat, the airbag being deactivated
• The vehicle does not have a rear seat
• The rear seat of the vehicle is not equipped with a safety belt
• The rear seats of the vehicle are temporarily unusable
• The rear seats of the vehicle shall be occupied by children under 10 years of age, each of whom shall be restrained by an approved restraint system

The approved restraint system is not required in the following cases:

• Child whose body shape is suitable for the use of seat belts
• Child with an exemption medical certificate issued by a doctor approved by the prefecture

The restraint shall have an approval certificate certifying that it conforms to European standards:

• Standard R44 classifies devices into 5 groups corresponding to the weight of the child.
• R129 (Isize) classifies seats according to the size of the child (this standard gradually replaces R44).
  All Isize standard seats feature the Isofix system, which has been mandatory in new vehicles since 2011.

To know: consult the Road Safety website to find out which restraint system is suitable for your child.

Failure to comply with these obligations shall be punished by a fine of up to €750.

In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.

« Your child is 10 years of age or older: »

A child 10 years of age or older shall be restrained by a safety belt or an approved restraint system.

It can be settled at the front as well as at the rear of the vehicle.

A seat belt exemption is possible for medical reasons.

Each seat equipped with a safety belt must be occupied by a single child.

A driver who fails to comply with these obligations is liable to a fine of up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.