Kealoha

Hello, we are looking into renting a car for a day or two while in Florence to explore Tuscany. Our son will be close to 4 when we leave. Does anyone know what the Italian laws are re child restraint/car seats?

I cannot seem to find anything definitive on the internet. Thanks!

Kealoha

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Lexma90

A very brief google search came up with the following at http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-italy.htm

Children in cars: children under four cannot travel unless they use a suitable restraint system. Children between four and 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitable restraint system.

J62

IMO the law is for the most part irrelevant. More important is what is safe for a child of a particular size. Even if over 4yrs old any child should be seated in an appropriate booster or even car seat depending on their size. I believe the current recommendation is us a child seat or booster for any child up to 60lbs, regardless of age.

If you only plan to use it for 1-2 days then I would look into renting a car seat from the rental car co.

J62

To clarify, I mean the law is irrelevant not to ignore the law, but to rather go beyond what may be legally required for your child's safety.

Kealoha

Thanks for your reply. I did find the same information but what I was not sure was what they mean by "suitable restraint system". Where we live (California) depending on the age and weight of the child, either a car seat or a booster seat is required. My son will be almost 4 when we leave for Italy and he is currently 41 pounds. So per California law he is actually in between carseat and a booster.