Germany has slightly different car seat safety laws than the U.S. You should review the list of regulations if you are planning on renting a car while traveling with children in Germany. It may seem awkward to strap a child who is deemed in the U.S. to be beyond car seat regulation, but it is actually much safer as proven by various studies completed by Swedish car safety experts. It is policy in most Western European countries to keep children rear-facing in a car seat until the age of four or five. As a result, child mortality in relation to automobile accidents has decreased by 500 percent in countries where this policy has been implemented.
Use the appropriate child seat--either a car seat or booster seat, if your child is under 12 years of age and less than 59 inches tall. This is the requirement regardless of where the child is seated.
European car seats carry higher weight and height limits than those found in the U.S. Most car seats found in Germany can accommodate children who are up to 55 lbs. and 59 inches in the rear-facing position. If your child has reached either of these limits you may turn him to the forward-facing position. This rear-facing limit is quite different than that of the U.S., where the greatest rear-facing weight limit car seats max at 35 lbs. or 49 inches. Europeans keep their children rear-facing longer as it has been shown to be much safer in the event of an accident. A child's developing neck and spine are better able to absorb impact when they are in the rear-facing position.
If your child is less than 12 years of age and has met the height or weight requirements of a car seat, then you may move him into a booster seat. There are many kinds available in Germany and most accommodate up to 100 lbs. and 59 inches. If your child exceeds these requirements, you may let him ride with a seat belt only.
Transporting a child less than three years of age without a car seat is not allowed under any circumstances.
Operating a vehicle while transporting a child without the appropriate safety seat is dangerous. In the event of an accident a seat belt may cause extensive damage to a small child if he does not meet the height requirements. Seat belt injuries include a crushed larynx or compressed lung. Not wearing a seat belt may result in a child who is projected from the vehicle.
Transporting a child greater than three years of age without a car seat is allowed only if all other car seats are in use. Seat the child in the rear seat and fasten him with a seat belt or other safety device attached to the seat.
All of the car seat laws also apply when riding in taxis.
