Seat belts and child seats in Belgium (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Everyone in a car must wear a seat belt. Children under 18 who are shorter than 1.35 m must use a suitable child restraint, and may sit in front at any age if fastened correctly.
| 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 under 18 who are shorter than 1.35 m must be carried in a suitable child restraint system. From 1.35 m they may choose between the normal seat belt and a child restraint system. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Children of any age may sit in the front passenger seat if they are fastened as the law requires. [2] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [2] |
Notes
- The page says everyone in the car, driver and passengers, must wear the belt. It does not discuss seats without belts.
- The same page lists exceptions: taxis, vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats, buses and coaches, and a third child when two restraints already fill the back seat; for occasional short trips with children not carried by their parents, children from 3 years may sit in the back with the normal belt.
Sources
- Politie (Belgian police portal): Kinderen in de auto: wat zijn de regels? (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 April 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Politie (Belgian police portal): Kinderen in de auto: wat zijn de nieuwe regels? (Internet Archive snapshot of 10 March 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.