Legislation on child seats in Spain

In vehicles with up to nine seats, occupants under 135 cm or less must travel in the rear seats using a restraint system.

According to the new changes approved by Royal Decree 667/2015, of July 17, which came into force on October 1, 2015, children must travel in cars as follows:

In vehicles with up to nine seats, including the driver, minor occupants 1>with a height less than or equal to 135 cm must travel in the rear seats, using an approved restraint system adapted to their size and weight.

There are only three exceptions:

When the vehicle does not have rear seats.
If all the rear seats are already occupied by other children in their respective child restraint systems.
If child restraint systems cannot be installed in those seats.

In addition, the new modification requires that their use be in accordance with the specifications made by the manufacturer in the manual or brochure or any publication regarding the way to use them.

In addition, if the child has to sit in a front seat and the vehicle has a front airbag rear-facing child seats may only be used if the airbag has been disabled.

In terms of infractions and penalties, failure to install and use seat belts and other child restraint systems will be considered a serious or very serious infraction.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Fundación MAPFRE and the Department of Transport both recommend you continue using the approved child restraint system suited to the child’s weight and height until they are at least 150 cm tall. When taller, you should use the vehicle’s seat belt.