Seat belts and child seats in Austria (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Where a seat has a seat belt, the driver and passengers must use it. Children up to their 14th birthday who are under 135 cm must be carried in cars only with an approved child restraint suited to their size and weight.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Children up to their 14th birthday who are under 135 cm may be carried in cars only with a suitable child restraint matching their size and weight. Children up to 14 who are 135 cm or taller must use the seat belt on seats fitted with one. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | No age rule for the front seat is stated in § 106 Abs. 5. In vehicles with no belts or restraints, children under 3 may not be carried and children aged 3 or older must sit in the rear. Where an exception to the restraint duty applies, a child may not sit in front without a suitable restraint. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
Notes
- The duty applies to every seat fitted with a belt. Exceptions are in § 106 Abs. 3 (for example very low risk such as parking, or impossible use because of body size or severe impairment) and Abs. 6 for children.
Sources
- Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 § 106 – Bundesrecht konsolidiert (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.