Transporting Children in Vehicles: Road Legislation Guidelines
The transport of children in vehicles is regulated by road legislation, harmonized with European Union laws. Here are the key aspects for parents to be aware of:
- Children under 135 cm in height can travel in vehicles ONLY if they are secured in a child seat or restraint system installed in the vehicle.
- Children over 135 cm in height can travel as passengers ONLY if they wear an adult seatbelt properly adjusted (so that it does not pass over the neck or face) or if they are secured in a child seat or restraint system installed in the vehicle.
- The transport of children as described above is carried out in the back seats of the vehicle. For children under 3 years old, transport is done under the supervision of a person other than the driver.
- Children can travel in the front passenger seat of the vehicle if they are over 12 years old and over 150 cm tall. The law states that any child transported in the front must be secured with an adult seatbelt, adjusted to fit their weight, ensuring that it does not pass over the neck or face.
- Children can be transported in child seats installed in the front passenger seat (facing the rear of the vehicle), but only with the front airbag deactivated.
- Children can also be transported in child seats installed in the front passenger seat, facing forward, according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Note: referring to the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines).
And now, the INTERESTING part:
Fines:
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a fine for the driver, ranging from 660 to 825 RON, plus 3 penalty points.
What’s truly IMPORTANT is that, as a parent, you don’t decide to transport your child in a car seat because of the fear of fines or penalties, but because you love them, and you would do everything possible to ensure their well-being. Below is a complete excerpt from the road legislation chapter regarding the transport of children in vehicles.
Road Legislation Regarding Child Car Seats – Article 97 (Amended by Government Decision 11/2015)
Chapter V – Traffic Rules / Section I – General Rules
Article 97 – Paragraph 1:
- Children under 135 cm in height can only be transported in vehicles equipped with safety systems (referred to as restraint systems) if they are secured with a child restraint system installed in the vehicle.
Exceptions:
- This rule does not apply when transporting children in public transport vehicles or taxis, as long as the child occupies any seat other than the front seat. For children under 3 years old, transportation in such vehicles should be under the supervision of a person other than the driver.
Children over 135 cm in height can only be transported in vehicles if they wear adult seatbelts, adjusted properly to ensure they do not pass over the neck or face. Alternatively, they can be secured in a child restraint system.
Child Restraint Definition:
A child restraint system is a set of components that securely hold the child in either a sitting or lying position. This can include a combination of straps or flexible elements with a fastening buckle, adjustable devices, and, in some cases, an additional seat or impact shield. It can also refer to booster cushions or devices that can be used with adult seatbelts.
Installation and Safety Standards:
- Child restraint systems must be approved and suitable for the child’s physical characteristics. The classification and standards are detailed in Annex 1F.
- These systems should be installed in the back seats of the vehicle, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Exception for Front Passenger Seats:
- Child restraint systems can also be installed in the front passenger seat if facing rearward, but only if the front airbag is deactivated (even in vehicles with automatic airbag detection systems).
- For forward-facing installation in the front passenger seat, the airbag should not be deactivated if the seat is facing forward.
Special Case for Children with Medical Exemptions:
- Children with a medical exemption certificate (indicating a severe medical condition that prevents them from using a car seat or seatbelt) can be transported without a restraint system, but only in the back seats of the vehicle, under the supervision of someone other than the driver.
Article 97 – Paragraph 2:
- Children up to 3 years old must not be transported in vehicles that do not have safety systems.
Exceptions for Children Under 3 Years Old:
- They may be transported under supervision in public transport vehicles or taxis, but only if they occupy any seat other than the front seat.
- Children who have the medical certificate mentioned earlier can be transported in vehicles without safety systems, but under supervision.
Children Over 3 Years and Up to 150 cm in Height:
- They can only be transported without safety systems if they are seated in seats other than the front seats during transport.
Key Takeaways:
- Children under 135 cm must be transported in child car seats.
- After 135 cm, children can use the vehicle’s seatbelt if it is positioned correctly.
- Child car seats can be installed in the front passenger seat only if the airbag is deactivated and the seat is pushed as far back as possible for rear-facing installations.
