Child seats in cars: Complete guide according to DGT regulations
Do you travel with children? If so, this post will be of interest to you. We are discussing Child Restraint Systems (CRS), especially child seats for cars; and one of your most frequently asked questions is what type of child seat should I use in a motorhome.
Please note that Benimar motorhomes are subject to the same regulations as private cars.
Stay if you want to know more and take note!
But before we delve into these regulations, we answer another of the questions you ask us most often: Which Benimar models have ISOFIX?
- Benimar motorhomes with ISOFIX in the Tessoro range: T468, T488 and T497.
- Benimar motorhomes with ISOFIX in the Mileo range: M268 and M297.
- Benimar motorhomes with ISOFIX in the Amphitryon range: A940, A967 and A998.
- Benimar motorhomes with ISOFIX in the Benivan range B120, B144, B160 and B190.
Do you need to broaden your knowledge or update this information? Contact one of our dealers. They will help you with everything you need.
New regulations for child seats in vehicles
ECE R-129 (i-Size) standard.
In 2022, the new ECE R-129 (i-Size) car seat safety standard came into force, to which Benimar motorhomes are subject.
This new type-approval regulation stipulates that:
- The main factor determining the most suitable child car seat is height but weight should also be taken into account.
- All children that are 1.35 metres tall or less must use an appropriate approved child restraint system.
- If they measure up to 71 centimetres (approx. 15 months) it is compulsory to travel in the rear-facing position.
- The use of a booster seat or child seat with a backrest is necessary until they are up to 1.25 metres tall and this is recommended until they no longer need to use a CRS.
- The car seat belt should be worn across the collarbone between the shoulder and the neck, close to the chest.
- The use of the ISOFIX system will become mandatory until they are at least 1.05 metres tall.
- Both the child seat and the car seat in which it is placed must carry an i-Sizemark.
Fines for non-compliance with the Regulations.
The new regulation also stipulates changes to the penalties for non-compliance.
- Loose 4 points and €200 fine for not using the correct child restraint system or its incorrect use.
- Security officers can immobilise the motorhome or vehicle if a child who should be using a child restraint system is travelling in it and is not using it or is using it incorrectly.
Child Restraint Systems (CRS) Exclusions
Source: blog.directseguros.es
There is one exception regarding the use of Child Restraint Systems for children, and that is that when they are over 1.35m tall, they can travel with the vehicle’s seat belt, in this case, the motorhome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about child seats in motorhomes.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the regulations for the use of child seats in motorhomes:
Do all child seats have to be approved?
Yes. All child seats must be ECE R-129 (i-Size) approved.
Does the child seat have to be placed on a specific car seat?
Rather than by age, this standard is stipulated by height. As specified above, it is compulsory for a child to travel in the rear seat if they are 71 centimetres tall or less. However, because it is the safest option, it is recommended that they continue to travel this way for as long as possible, and at least until they are 4 years old.
Can the same child seat be used at different ages?
The choice of the right child seat is determined by height and weight regardless of age, so that the same child seat can be used by children of different ages as long as it is suitable according to the regulations. Only child seats that are out of date or have been involved in an accident above 20 km/h should be discarded.
From what age can they travel without a child seat?
Age does not determine the compulsory use of a child seat, it is determined by height. A Child Restraint System must be used up until they are 1.35 metres tall, which is usually around the age of 12 years.
I have a belt-positioning seat, do I have to change it?
No, although it is recommended to switch to i-Size systems, CRS approved under the previous R-44/04 regulation can still be used until 2038 .
To enjoy travelling by motorhome is to do so comfortably and with peace of mind. Feel that you can experience any adventure, anywhere in the world without worries; we therefore recommend that you find out about all those issues that will make your #Caravanning experience safer.
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