Seat belts and child seats in Spain (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Seat belts are compulsory. Minors of 135 cm or less must use an approved child restraint and sit in the rear seats, with three exceptions.
| 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 | Minors who are 135 cm or shorter must use an approved child restraint system suited to their height and weight. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | In vehicles with up to nine seats, children 135 cm or shorter must sit in the rear seats. The front seat is allowed only if the vehicle has no rear seats, all rear seats are occupied by such children, or not all restraints can be installed in the rear. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
Notes
- The duty does not apply in vehicles that have no seat belts installed.
Sources
- Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE): Real Decreto 1428/2003, de 21 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento General de Circulación (artículo 117) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.