Passengers, seat belts & child seats

Seat belts compulsory for everyone

The seat belt is compulsory in every seat – front and rear alike. Adult passengers are responsible for themselves; the driver is responsible for themselves and for children.

Exceptions are few: parking manoeuvres at low speed, certain occupational groups with frequent stops, and medical exemptions, which must be certified in writing.

Securing children: the 12/150 rule

A child restraint is required for every child under 12 years old and under 150 cm tall.

Meeting just one of the two criteria is enough to no longer need one: a 10-year-old measuring 155 cm no longer needs a seat; an 11-year-old measuring 140 cm does.

The seat must be approved and suited to the child's weight and height. A child too small for the belt would simply slide under the lap belt in an impact.

Beware the airbag

A rear-facing seat may never be fitted in a seat with an active frontal airbag.

On deployment the airbag would strike the shell of the seat – and with it the baby's head – with enormous force. The airbag must be deactivated first.

Seats: how many may travel?

Only as many people as there are seats entered in the vehicle registration document may travel.

Every person needs their own belt: belts cannot be shared, and no child may be carried on a lap. In an impact, a child held only by someone's arms is impossible to hold.

Why the belt is vital

An impact at 50 km/h corresponds roughly to a fall from about 10 metres. Nobody can hold themselves back with the strength of their arms.

And an unbelted passenger in the rear becomes a projectile for those in front. The belt does not only protect you.