Seat belts and child seats in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Prescribed seat belts must be worn. Children under 12 who are under 150 cm may be carried only in an approved child restraint.

RuleWhat applies
Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger carsYes [1]
Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger carsYes [1]
Child restraint required untilPassenger carsChildren until their 12th birthday who are under 150 cm may be carried only in an approved child restraint suited to the child. [2]
Children in the front seatPassenger carsThe child restraint duty applies on every seat where belts are prescribed. In vehicles without belts, children under 3 may not be carried and children aged 3 or older who are under 150 cm must sit in the rear. [2]
Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The duty applies to belts that are prescribed, meaning belts the vehicle must be fitted with.
  • Both conditions apply: the child is under 12 and under 150 cm. A child who has reached 12 or 150 cm may use the adult belt.
  • § 21 StVO does not regulate rear-facing seats and airbags; the airbag rule was not found in the legal texts read.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 21a StVO 2013 - Einzelnorm (Sicherheitsgurte, Rollstuhl-Rückhaltesysteme, Rollstuhlnutzer-Rückhaltesysteme, Schutzhelme) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 21 StVO 2013 - Einzelnorm (Personenbeförderung) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.