The way children are transported in cars, on public roads, is regulated by the Emergency Ordinance no. 195 / December 12th 2002, with subsequent amendments and additions. The last regulation regarding the use of car seats was made in February 2015.
Article 36 stipulates that the driver is required to ensure that all minors are transported safely during the trip, using child restraint systems or seatbelts (or, as they are mentioned in the law: approved child seat restraint devices).
A child restraint system is defined as an assembly of attachment components with an additional seat anchored in the cars (car seat) or a system that combines a partial attachment device and the seat belt of the car (car booster, shell type car seat, guiding strap, belt system for children).
It refers to the safety system of the car: namely, the car does not have seat belts with which we could anchor the car seat. Passenger cars (M1) and light vans (N1) must have seat belts for passengers. For other types of vehicles, the European (EU) law does not mention mandatory regulations. For example: mini buses or coaches are not required to have seat belts for passengers.
A child seat restraint is defined as an assembly of attaching components with an additional car seat anchored in the vehicle (car seat) or a system combining a partial seat restraint and the seat belt of the vehicle (car booster, shell car seat, guiding strap, seat belt system for children). It is prohibited to transport children in vehicles that have no safety systems** Taxis are the exception (but not regarding the front right seat) and public transportation.
**Basically, children under the age of three can be transported without using an infant seat or a car seat only in taxis.
Transportation is allowed in vehicles that are not equipped with safety systems*.*only if they travel in the back seats of the vehicles.**Practically, children over 3 years old can be transported without a seat or booster seat in minibuses or coaches for example.
Children up to 135 cm tall can only be transported using a child restraint system (infant seat, car seat and booster seat). Children over 135 cm tall can be transported using a car booster seat, or using an adult seat belt if it can be adjusted so that it does not cross the neck or face area.
Children restraint systems must be approved according to ECE R44.03, for belt fastening, R44.04 or UN R129 for i-size and comply with the appropriate weight and height group. Children restraint systems are installed on the seat from the back, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Rear-facing car seats may be installed in the front seat if the manufacturer allows this and only if the airbag is deactivated.
Medically exempt children may be transported without a car seat or seat belt as long as they are in the back seat of the car. Medically exempted children under 3 must be supervised by a person other than the driver.
