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Cars

What does the law stipulate?

Children under 1.35 metres tall must travel in a car seat appropriate for their height and/or weight. This requirement remains in force until the child exceeds the required height or reaches the age of 18. The car seat can be installed in the front or rear of the vehicle.

Please note that the rules regarding car seats vary from one European country to another. Check before you leave if you are travelling abroad by car with a child.

All child restraint systems used must comply with the latest European standards: R44/03, R44/04 or i-Size (R129). Seats that do not meet these standards may no longer be used. Since 1 September 2024, only car seats that comply with the R129 standard may be sold throughout the European Union.

To ensure that the child seat is approved, look for the corresponding orange ECE-R label.

R44: approval based on the child's weight, due to be replaced by the R129 standard.

Universal

R129 (i-Size): approval based on the child's height and requires the consistent use of ISOFIX attachments:

I-size

Penalties

It is often forgotten. Failure to secure a child in the back of a car is punishable by law. This also applies to the incorrect use or non-use of an appropriate car seat for children under 135 cm tall. This is a third-degree offence. Offenders are liable to a fine of €174.

Installation

There are two possible systems for securing a child seat: the seat belt or the ISOFIX system for vehicles that are equipped with it. Choose ISOFIX for greater ease and safety.

Tips

  • Choose a seat that is suitable for the child's height and weight
  • Preferably install child seats in the rear of the vehicle
  • If your vehicle is equipped with one, deactivate the airbag when installing your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat
  • When installing, carefully follow the instructions for use for both the seat and your car
  • Only change seat groups when the child's head is above the current seat
  • Remove winter coats: the seat belt must fit snugly against the child's body
  • Do not purchase second-hand seats: their integrity may be compromised

Bike

What does the law stipulate?

In Belgium, there is no minimum age for transporting a child by bicycle. Parents may transport a baby under 9 months of age, provided they choose an appropriate carrying solution. However, this remains an exceptional practice, to be considered with great caution.

The law stipulates that passengers may only be transported by bicycle if they are seated in a specially designed seat. Consequently, children may not be placed on a luggage rack, in a backpack seat or wrapped in a baby sling.In addition, it is mandatory to choose an approved seat or trailer. The CE EN 14344 standard applies to seats. The CE EN 15918 standard applies to trailers.

Tips

  • Only place your child in a proper child seat from the age of 9 months, when they can sit up unaided.
  • Before then, only use an approved solution suitable for infants.
  • Follow the instructions on the seat: maximum weight, manufacturer's logo, date of manufacture.
  • Always secure your child firmly with a 3- or 5-point harness.
  • Always secure children, even for short journeys
  • Be aware of changes in handling caused by the cargo bike trailer, longtail or rear seat
  • Equip the trailer with a red non-flashing rear light in bad weather and add a small safety flag
  • Do not purchase second-hand seats: their integrity may be compromised

Motorbike

What does the law stipulate?

It is prohibited to transport children under the age of 3 on a motorbike. Children between the ages of 3 and 8 may only ride as passengers on motorbikes with a maximum engine capacity of 125cc, provided that they are using an appropriate safety device. Children aged 8 and over may ride on any motorbike, provided that they are properly secured, protected and equipped.

Always ensure that your child is wearing approved and appropriate protective gear.

Tips

  • Even though it is permitted to carry a child over the age of 3 on a motorbike, be aware that this increases your vulnerability and that of the child.
  • Ensure that your child wears a helmet and full protective clothing (abrasion-resistant trousers and jackets, gloves, boots, reflective vest).
  • Adapt your driving style: accelerate gradually, brake gently and be extra vigilant.

Detailed child seat brochure (FR)

Some of the documents are not available in this language. You can find them below in the available languages.
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