In Italy there are strict rules when children are in the car. Could the regulations be a role model for German motorists? And what does that mean for vacationers?
Despite uniform regulations within the EU, other regulations apply in Italy, because: In the popular holiday country, for children up to four years Only child seats equipped with an alarm system (“Salva Bebè”) may be used. The alarm inside and outside the vehicle must warn that someone is still in the child seat using suitable visual and acoustic signals or visual and tactile signals. This is to prevent parents from forgetting their child in the car in the stress of everyday life due to carelessness and small children from suffering heat stroke in the car, for example.
If you are caught in Italy without a child seat that complies with the regulations, you risk a fine of between 81 and 326 euros. In addition, according to the automobile club, the driver would be subject to the Italian penalty point system 5 points deducted and for a further violation within two years a Driving ban of at least 15 days be imposed.
Does this also apply to vacationers?
The alarm regulation only applies to vehicles registered in Italy. This means that German vacationers who are not resident in Italy and whose vehicle is not registered there do not have to fear any penalties for non-compliance. But be careful: If you are on holiday in Italy, you should use a license that is licensed there rental car use, you need a child seat with an alarm signal – so it’s best to pay attention to this when renting.
What is the situation in Germany?
No corresponding regulation is planned in Germany so far. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider here, as we will show in detail below.
Child seats: see the best deals on Amazon
Child seat abroad: These special rules apply
But not only Italy plays by one set of rules when it comes to child seats. Our tip: If you are traveling abroad with a child and car, it is best to find out before you travel which regulations apply in your holiday country. Otherwise you risk a more or less hefty fine if you violate the local rules.
In general: Within the EU, a suitable child seat, more precisely: child restraint system (baby seat, child seat, booster seat) – is mandatory for children up to a certain age or height. So need in Germany the little ones up to end of the twelfth year or up to one Height of 1.50 m ride in a child seat that is appropriate for their weight and height. In Austria eg the age limit is even 14 years – but only if the offspring is not taller than 1.35 m. In France, on the other hand, the age limit is ten years and in the Netherlands, child seats are compulsory for all children under 1.35 m, regardless of age.
And special requirements are also placed on the child seats themselves. Two standards still apply for use in Germany and within the EU: the old EU directive UN ECE Reg. 44/04 or /03 and the latest UN ECE Reg. 129 (also known as i-Size). The older one The R 44/04 standard is based on various weight classes ranging from 0 to 36 kg in five stages. For example, the weight class “O” up to 10 kg and refers to baby carriers that are used crosswise or backwards. The more recent i-Size standard, on the other hand, is aimed at body size, which is set by the children’s manufacturers themselves. In addition, unlike the approval according to R 44/04, the child seats must pass a side impact test.
Child seats in the test: not recommended despite compliance with standards
But even if a child seat meets the standard, that does not mean that it is recommended for your child. The ADAC published a statement at the end of May 2021 test a total of 26 models tested for safety. The sobering result: Five child seats only received a “poor” rating in the test. The reason? During the test, the ADAC discovered naphthalene and plasticizers in the upholstery fabrics. These include the Swandoo Marie 2 for 500 euros, the Osann Oreo 360° for around 270 euros and the Besafe iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size, both with and without the iZi Modular i-Size Base, for 260 to 500 euros. However, Swandoo and Osann have already announced that they will fix the shortcomings.
The Chicco Kiros i-Size with the Kiros i-Size Base for 420 euros also received a “poor”. Namely, in the frontal impact test, the seat became detached from its base. The manufacturer therefore offers its customers an exchange.
For children up to one year old, the ADAC recommends the Babyzen Yoyo iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size by Besafe with the iZi Modular i-Size Base for around 500 euros Maxi Cosi Tinca with Tinca Base for around 330 euros and the Stokke iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size by Besafe with iZi Modular i-Size Base for around 520 euros.
Two models lead the list for children up to 1.5 years: The Peg Perego PrimoVaggio Lounge with i-Size Base for around 420 euros and the Silver Cross Simplicity Plus with Simplifix Isofix Base for around 440 euros.
Child seats: see the best deals on Amazon