Seat belts and child seats in Ireland (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Adults must wear a seat belt where one is fitted, in the front and the rear of cars. Children under 150 cm tall and under 36 kg must use an appropriate child restraint system, and a rear-facing seat needs the front airbag deactivated.
| 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 | A child, meaning a person under 150 cm tall who weighs less than 36 kg, must be restrained by an appropriate child restraint system. This applies to a child under 3 years of age and to a child of 3 or more. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | A child may sit in a front seat if restrained by an appropriate child restraint system. The exceptions that allow a child to travel without one (no belt anchorages, a small public service vehicle, or no further seat possible) apply only to seats other than a front seat. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
Notes
- Applies to adult occupants of seats fitted with a belt in cars and goods vehicles; the driver must ensure that passengers under 17 comply. Exemptions are in regulation 11 (for example a medical certificate or a disabled person's belt). Regulation 3 and the definitions were amended by S.I. No. 380/2014 (approval standards, including R129).
- A rear-facing child restraint system may be used in front of an airbag only if the airbag has been deactivated.
Sources
- Irish Statute Book: S.I. No. 240/2006 - European Communities (Compulsory use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.