8980 Car seats for children

Does anyone know if booster car seats are compulsory for certain ages (or heights) of children in Italy --as they are in UK?

Thanks

Philippa Jay

Category
Travel & Holiday Advice

Yes, they are compulsory, just like the Uk, as I understand this is all to do with European law. I am long past car seats for children, but had to go through a steep learning curve when I had my grandchildren visit! The Italian seats are all sorted by weight of child, and after the tiny ones, most of the others can convert to a booster cushion only when the child gets bigger.

Children age 3 or under cannot travel as front- or rear-seat passenger unless using suitable restraint system. Child between four and 12 cannot travel as front-seat passenger unless using suitable restraint system. Where no restraint system is available they must travel on the rear seats accompanied by a passenger over 16 years of age.

From AA;
[url]http://www.theaa.com/staticdocs/pdf/allaboutcars/overseas/aa_european_touring_tips_01_2005.pdf[/url]

Found this interesting as the only poeple I know who use child restraints here are stranieri!It's scary how many times you still see mum in the passenger seat with the child on her knee, or a toddler standing up in the space between the 2 front seats. Along with people letting their child out of the car onto the road when there's a perfectly adequate pavement on the other side (not just in italy) it's one of my greatest annoyances as these are generally the type that have a baby on board sticker in the back- why should I try my best not to injure your child if you don't try yourself. Sorry have ranted- I await my flogging!

I agree with the others that it is a European law related to safety, but I tend to also agree with Helen about the total disregard some people show for their children's safety. Prospective parents would need a proper licence before bringing children into the world!!!! I also expect a flogging....

I could not agree more. It is so frightening when you see people holding a small baby or toddler in the back seat, with the driver overtaking recklessly. They only have to stop very sharply and that child becomes a lethal missile.