A child seat in a hire car It is not just a matter of convenience, but above all a legal obligation. When booking a car for a family trip, many parents wonder whether they need to bring their own child car seat, whether one can be hired, and what the rules are for travelling with children. In this guide, we explain the regulations, the different types of child seats, how to fit them, and what to ask the car hire company before collecting the car.

Is a child seat compulsory in a hire car?

Yes. The regulations on transporting children apply regardless of whether you are travelling in your own car or a hire car. Under the law on traffic A child under 150 cm in height must be transported in a child seat or other restraint system appropriate to their weight and height.

A few key points to bear in mind:

Children under the age of 3 must not be transported by car without a child seat.
A child under 150 cm tall may only travel in the front seat if they are in a child seat.
If you are fitting a rear-facing child seat in the front seat, the front passenger airbag must be deactivated.
A child taller than 135 cm who, due to their weight or height, cannot be transported safely in a child seat may be secured using seat belts alone, but not in the front seat.

Failure to secure a child properly results not only in a fine and penalty points for the driver, but above all, the real danger in the event of a collision.

Car seat weight groups and the i-Size standard

A child car seat must be chosen according to the child’s weight and height, not just their age. There are two classification systems. The older one, based on weight (ECE R44/04 standard):

Group 0+ (up to 13 kg, up to approx. 15 months) – must always be fitted rear-facing.
Group I (9–18 kg, approx. 1–4 years).
Group II (15–25 kg, approx. 3–7 years).
Group III (22–36 kg, approx. 6–12 years) – usually a booster seat with a backrest.

A more recent standard i-Size (ECE R129) It selects a car seat based on the child’s height, requires installation using the ISOFIX system, and stipulates that the youngest children must be carried facing backwards for longer – until they are at least 15 months old. This approach is now considered safer.

A hire car seat or your own – which should you choose?

You have two options: bring your own car seat or ask the hire company for one. Each option has its advantages.

My own car seat It gives you the assurance that it’s suitable for your child and has been tried and tested. It works well when you’re picking up the car close to home. A car seat from a hire company It’s handy when you’re flying or don’t want to carry it with you – you pick up the car and it’s ready to go straight away, without having to lug around bulky luggage.

If you need a child seat for a hire car, it’s best to let us know when booking, stating the child’s age and weight. This will enable the hire company to prepare the appropriate model for collection. 📞 Enquire about the car seat’s availability: +48 787 001 003 or check out our rental listings.

How to fit a child car seat correctly

Even the best child car seat will only protect your child if it is fitted correctly. Things to bear in mind:

ISOFIX – if the car and the car seat are compatible, this is the safest and least likely to be done incorrectly method of installation.
Facing away from the direction of travel – We carry the youngest children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, as this protects their delicate cervical spine.
Airbag deactivated – compulsory when using a rear-facing child seat on the front seat.
Tightened seatbelts – The car seat harness should fit snugly against the child’s body, with no slack and no thick jacket underneath.

When collecting your hire car, it’s worth taking a moment to fit the child seat calmly and check that it’s secure. The car hire staff are usually happy to help you fit it correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use a child seat when travelling in a hire car?

Yes. The regulations on transporting children apply equally to private cars and hire cars. A child under 150 cm in height must travel in a child seat or restraint system appropriate for their weight and height.

Does the hire company provide a child car seat?

Many car hire companies offer a child seat as an extra with your hire. It is best to mention this requirement when booking, stating the child’s age and weight, so that the correct model can be prepared for when you collect the car.

Up to what age must a child travel in a child car seat?

It is not age that matters, but height. A child seat or booster seat is required until the child reaches 150 cm in height. Only once they are taller than this can they be secured using just the seat belts.

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Child seats in hire cars – regulations, types and hire