Like many other countries, Spain has been facing challenges with road accidents involving children. Some of these accidents showed that children were not properly protected because parents used the wrong type of seat or skipped the rules altogether.
If you are new in Spain or just visiting as a tourist, it is important that you get acquainted with the road safety rules, especially for kids. Let’s take a look at what the car seat laws are in the country in 2025.
Image: A photo of a small baby wearing a diaper, seated in the driver's seat of a car, reaching up and grabbing the steering wheel with one arm.
What Are the Car Seat Laws in Spain in 2025?
Here are some of the main car seat rules in Spain:
Children under 135 cm tall must use a proper child restraint system (CRS). This means a car seat or booster seat that fits their age, weight, and height.
Children should always sit in the back seat of the car unless the back seats are already full of younger children, or if the car does not have back seats at all.
If a child has to sit in the front seat, they must use the correct seat for their size, and the airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing seat.
Car seats must meet European safety standards (ECE R129/i-Size regulation). Parents cannot just use any seat they bought years ago if it does not meet these standards.
Police checks are common, especially on highways and during holiday seasons, and fines are high for those who break the rules.
Why Spain Made the Rules Stricter
Accident statistics - Children who were not in the right car seat were far more likely to be badly hurt in crashes.
Tourism impact - Tourists driving rental cars often don’t know the rules, which can lead to unsafe situations. This makes it very important for the laws to be more transparent and clearer.
European standards - Spain aims to match and even exceed EU road safety goals.
Public pressure - Parents and safety groups have been pushing the government for stronger safety measures.
Image: A photo of a young baby girl fast asleep in a car seat, her head gently resting against the cushioned side of the seat.
Tips for Visitors 2025
If you are planning to drive in Spain, here are a few simple steps to make sure you follow the laws:
Always check your child’s height and weight before travelling, and use the correct car seat.
If renting a car, book the child seat in advance to avoid stress or high costs.
Learn how to install the seat correctly. A poorly fitted car seat can be just as dangerous as not using one at all.
If you are unsure, ask the rental company or even the police for advice. Locals are often very helpful.
Conclusion
Spain has always had a strict approach to child road safety, and the focus is clear. While some parents and tourists may find the rules too strict, the aim is to reduce accidents and save lives. If you are a parent living in Spain or a tourist visiting for a holiday, it is very important to follow these rules. It may take extra planning or feel too hard, but at the end of the day, nothing is more important than keeping your child safe on the road.
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