European Booster seat laws-Help!

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Apr 7th, 2008 | 06:46 AM

Jameg

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Joined: Jan 2008

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European Booster seat laws-Help!

We are traveling this summer with a 7 and 9 year old. We are starting in Italy then going to Switzerland, Germany, Austria and back to Italy. Does anyone know the booster seat laws for those countries or a web site I can get the info from. Thanks

Apr 7th, 2008 | 08:34 AM

hetismij

Joined: Jan 2007

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This is the UK site. The rules are the same throughout the EU (and presumably Switzerland)- you will read in the FAQ about child restraints from other countries too.
http://tinyurl.com/ganqv

Apr 7th, 2008 | 09:50 AM

MonicaRichards

Joined: Jan 2003

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As you can see from the UK site, you aren't required to use booster seats for your kids. However, the basic safety of them still remains. The backless boosters don't take up much room so if you're renting a car, take those with you.

Apr 7th, 2008 | 10:20 AM

nona1

Joined: Apr 2005

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What on earth were you reading Monica?

Booster seats are a legal requirement now until a child either reaches
a) the age of 12, or
b) 4'5" in height,
whichever comes first.

Apr 7th, 2008 | 10:31 AM

logos999

Joined: Feb 2005

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>4'5" in height,
1.50 meters.
Seat MUST confirm to standard ECE44/03 or higher. That means much (most) of the stuff built before the year 2000 is illegal to use.

Apr 7th, 2008 | 12:31 PM

Alec

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You can rent the appropriate booster seats from your car rental company (pre-booking recommended). They cost a few euro a day. Or you can buy one in a shop - costs from around 20-30 euro each for a basic one (but conforms to EU requirements).