How to Safely Travel with Children in a Car Abroad

When it comes to child safety in a car, there’s no room for compromise. It’s not just about parental responsibility — it’s a legal requirement in most countries around the world. While we usually know how to properly secure a child at home, it’s easy to get caught off guard when traveling abroad. Laws vary from country to country, and the fines can be steep.

This article covers child car seat laws in several European countries — from Ukraine to Romania. We’ll guide you through the main child car seat rules: when a child can sit in the front seat, how long booster seats are required, what the penalties are for breaking the rules, and what to keep in mind if you’re renting a car abroad. — from Ukraine to Romania. We’ll cover when a child can sit in the front seat, how long booster seats are required, what the penalties are for breaking the rules, and what to keep in mind if you’re renting a car abroad.

General Rules for Traveling with Kids in a Car

Despite differences in laws, a few universal principles apply across Europe and the post-Soviet region. First and foremost: a child should never ride unrestrained. They must be secured in a proper child restraint system — either a car seat or booster seat, depending on age, weight, and height.

Second: seat placement matters. The safest spot in the car is the back seat, especially the middle position if it has a three-point belt. The front seat may be allowed under certain conditions — for example, if the child seat is rear-facing, the front airbag must be deactivated.

Can You Hold a Child in Your Arms While Driving?

No. In no European or post-Soviet country is it acceptable to carry a child in your arms in a moving vehicle. Even if the adult is buckled up, they cannot hold the child securely in the event of sudden braking. In fact, this is not just dangerous — it can also lead to fines, or even criminal liability in the event of an accident.

What’s the Safest Place for a Car Seat?

The optimal spot for a child seat is the middle seat in the back row. It offers the best protection from side and front impact. If that spot isn’t available (e.g., it only has a lap belt), place the car seat behind the front passenger. This also lets the driver see the child in the rearview mirror. Front seat use is only allowed in some countries — and only with the airbag switched off.

Note! The front seat isn’t always the safest

Even if local laws allow children to ride in the front seat, that doesn’t mean it’s the safest option. An airbag — even when disabled — can still be dangerous in a crash. Whenever possible, place the child seat in the back — it’s much safer.

Child Car Seat Rules in Ukraine

Ukraine has clear rules when it comes to child passenger safety.

Car Seat Requirements by Age

According to local traffic law, car seats are mandatory for children under 12 years old. However, the key factor isn’t just age — it’s height. If the child is under 12 but taller than 145 cm, a car seat isn’t required. On the flip side, if the child is over 12 but shorter than that height, a booster seat is still mandatory.

What Age Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat?

A child can sit in the front seat if they meet the minimum height requirement and don’t need a car seat. If a seat is used, the airbag must be turned off. So when people ask, at what age can a child sit in the front seat, the real answer depends on height and whether a restraint is still needed.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The fine for violating car seat laws is 510 UAH. A second violation raises the penalty to 850 UAH. Keep in mind: in case of an accident, the absence of a child seat could be grounds for a denied insurance claim.

If you're planning to explore the country and looking into car rental in Kyiv, make sure the company offers child seats. Services like Getmancar allow you to request one when booking.

Child Car Seat Rules in Germany

Germany is known for its strict traffic safety standards. Their child seat regulations are among the most detailed in Europe.

Booster Seat Height Requirements

By law, children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster. Booster seat requirements vary by country, depending on age and height. In Germany, enforcement is especially focused on height, not just age — and 150 cm is one of the highest cutoffs in Europe. In Germany, enforcement is especially focused on height, not just age — and 150 cm is one of the highest cutoffs in Europe.

Front Seat Regulations

Children can sit in the front if they’re in a proper seat. If the seat is rear-facing, the front airbag must be deactivated. Once a child is over 12 and taller than 150 cm, the regular seat belt is sufficient.

Fines and Enforcement

The fine for not using a restraint system ranges from €60 to €70. Repeat violations can lead to administrative penalties. Even if you're just in the country for a weekend and using car rental Berlin, don't expect leniency — enforcement is strict.

Child Car Seat Rules in Georgia

Georgia has updated its traffic laws in recent years, including those covering children.

Age Requirements for Car Seats

Children under 12 must use a car seat or booster, depending on weight and height. Police are active in enforcing these rules.

Is It Legal for a Child to Ride in the Front Seat?

Yes, but only with an appropriate car seat and the front airbag disabled — especially when using a rear-facing seat. If you’re planning a trip and looking into car rental in Tbilisi, be sure the rental includes a child seat or offers it as an add-on.

Penalties

The fine for improper child transport is around 40 GEL (approximately €12). Enforcement is taken seriously — especially in cities and mountainous areas.

Child Car Seat Rules in Moldova

Moldova tightened its child transport laws in recent years.

Car Seat Age Requirements for Children

Children under 12 and shorter than 135 cm must use a car seat or booster. Weight and the car’s configuration are also considered when selecting a seat.

Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat?

Only if they’re in a child seat and the airbag is disabled. Local law takes this seriously: front-seat travel is only allowed when all manufacturer and safety conditions are met.

Seat Positioning and Fines

Fines range from 300 to 600 MDL. In case of an accident, drivers may face consequences from both the law and their insurance provider. If you're planning to rent a car in Chisinau, confirm the availability of a child seat when booking.

Child Car Seat Rules in Romania

Romania follows EU safety standards and enforces child car seat use strictly.

What Age Can a Child Travel Without a Car Seat?

Children must use a car seat or booster until age 12 or a height of 135 cm — whichever comes last. In Romania, height is the deciding factor. Only after reaching 135 cm can a child use the standard seat belt.

Front Seat Limitations

Front-seat travel is allowed only with a car seat and the airbag turned off. If these conditions are met, no violation occurs.

Fines

Fines for non-compliance range from 580 to 725 RON. That’s a significant amount — especially for repeat violations. When booking a vehicle, especially through car rental in Bucharest, make sure your child’s safety is fully covered.

Renting a Car with a Child: What to Know

Many travelers assume local traffic laws don’t apply to them. That’s a mistake. Whether you’re renting a vehicle in Kyiv, Tbilisi, Chisinau, or Bucharest — you’re legally required to follow local regulations.

What to check when renting a car with a child

Before booking, be sure to contact the rental company and ask:

• What type of child seat do they provide?
• Can you choose between a booster or age-appropriate seat?
• Will the seat be installed by the customer or staff?
• Is the seat included in the price or paid separately?

This helps avoid surprises and saves time during your trip.

Services like Getmancar offer the option to add a child seat to your booking, saving you the hassle of bringing one. Be sure to check the seat type, your child’s size compatibility, and return conditions in advance.

Even for short drives, safety should always come first. Back seat rules for children are just as important as front seat regulations — especially when renting a car abroad.

Key Child Car Safety Rules by Country

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Here’s what you should remember:

• A child car seat is required up to age 12 and/or a certain height (135 to 150 cm, depending on the country).
• Children may ride in the front seat only with the airbag deactivated and a proper child restraint.
• Penalties range from €10 to €150 depending on the country.
• Don’t focus solely on age — your child’s height, weight, and safety matter far more.

Before traveling with kids, always check local requirements and book a car seat with your rental. It’s not just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting the one who matters most.

Traveling with kids doesn’t mean giving up comfort or flexibility. The key is planning ahead. One of the most convenient options for a family trip is renting a car with the option to include a child seat.

If you're planning to visit Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Germany, or Romania, check out Getmancar. The company offers vehicles with car seats on request, and the booking process only takes a few minutes.

Don’t wait — choose your car and seat today.