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 legislation, there are several common principles for transporting children safely. A child should be properly secured with a seat belt or placed in an appropriate child restraint system.

A car seat, booster seat, or other child restraint should be selected according to the child's age, height, and weight, as well as the requirements of the country where you are driving and the manufacturer's instructions.

Can You Hold a Child in Your Arms While Driving?

In most situations, carrying a child in your arms while travelling in a car is not permitted and is not a safe way to transport children. A child should normally be secured using the child restraint system required by the country's laws.

However, the rules are not identical everywhere. For example, in Georgia, under specific conditions, a child under 3 years old may be carried in the arms of a passenger aged 16 or older on the rear seat, provided that the adult is wearing a seat belt. Only one child may be carried by one passenger.

 In fact, this is not just dangerous — it can also lead to fines, or even criminal liability in the event of an accident.

Where is the safest place to install a child car seat in a car?

For most journeys, a child car seat is best installed on the rear seat. The exact position depends on the vehicle's design, the available seat belts or ISOFIX anchorage points, and the manufacturer's instructions for the child restraint.

The centre of the rear seat can be a good option if the seat has suitable restraints or anchorage points and the child car seat can be installed securely. If this is not possible, use another permitted position on the rear seat.

Always check both the child car seat and vehicle manuals before installation.

Note! The front seat isn’t always the safest

Even where the law allows a child to travel in the front seat, the requirements for the particular child restraint and vehicle must be followed. If a rear-facing child car seat is installed in a position with a front passenger airbag, the airbag must be deactivated where required by law and the manufacturer's instructions.

Always check the vehicle and child car seat manuals before travelling.

Child Car Seat Rules in Ukraine

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

Child restraint requirements

Under the current traffic rules in Ukraine, children shorter than 145 cm must not be transported without an appropriate child restraint system. The restraint must be suitable for the child's height and weight and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Therefore, car seat age requirements for children in Ukraine cannot be determined by age alone. Height is the key criterion when deciding whether a child may travel using the standard seat belt without a child restraint.

When can a child sit in the front seat?

Ukraine has additional rules for children under 3 years old. They may be transported in the front row only in an appropriate child restraint installed facing the direction specified by the rules, with the front passenger airbag switched off where one is installed.

Therefore, the answer to “from what age can a child sit in the front seat” cannot be reduced to a single age limit. The child's age, height, type of restraint, and the requirements of the traffic rules must all be taken into account.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The fine for violating child transportation rules is UAH 510. A repeated violation within one year is subject to a fine of UAH 850.

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.

Car seat and booster seat requirements

In Germany, children under 12 years of age who are shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system. Both age and height are therefore relevant when determining whether a child restraint is required.

This is also important when checking booster seat height requirements: a child who has reached the age of 12 or a height of 150 cm can use the vehicle's standard seat belt without a mandatory child restraint, provided the belt fits correctly.

Front Seat Regulations

A child may travel in the front seat if the requirements for the appropriate child restraint are met. A rear-facing child restraint must not be used in front of an active front passenger airbag.

This means that what age can a child sit in the front seat is not determined by one universal rule in Germany: the type of restraint and the airbag configuration also matter.

Fines and Enforcement

Transporting one child without the required restraint is subject to a €60 fine. For several children, the fine is €70.

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 years old may not be transported in the front seat of a passenger car. Separate requirements apply to children under 3 years old: they should be transported on the rear seat using an appropriate child restraint system.

Under specific conditions, a child under 3 years old may instead be carried in the arms of a passenger aged 16 or older on the rear seat, provided that the adult is wearing a seat belt.

Therefore, child car seat laws in Georgia should not be described as a universal requirement to use a car seat or booster for every child under 12.

Front seat

Children under 12 years old are not permitted to travel in the front seat of a passenger car. Therefore, is it legal for a child to sit in the front seat in Georgia? For children under 12, the answer is no.
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

The requirements for transporting children in Moldova should be considered together with the child's age, height, and the type of restraint being used. A fixed height limit should not be presented as the only factor determining whether a child restraint is required.

Child restraint requirements

An appropriate child restraint system should be used in accordance with the applicable traffic rules and the child's physical characteristics. The restraint should be suitable for the child's size and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For this reason, child car seat laws in Moldova should be checked before travelling, especially when using a rental car.

Front seat

Before travelling, check the current requirements for the child's age and the permitted position of the restraint in the vehicle. If a child restraint is installed on the front passenger seat, the vehicle and restraint manufacturer's instructions must be followed carefully.

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 uses height as an important criterion when determining whether a child restraint is required.

Car seat age and height requirements

Children shorter than 135 cm must be transported using an appropriate child restraint system. Children taller than 135 cm may use the vehicle's standard seat belt if it fits correctly and does not pass across the neck or face. A child restraint can still be used when appropriate.

Therefore, child car seat laws in Romania should not be reduced to a fixed age limit. Height is the main criterion specified by the relevant rules.

Front Seat Limitations

A child restraint should generally be installed on the rear seat according to the manufacturer's instructions. Certain restraints may be installed on the front passenger seat when permitted by the applicable rules and the manufacturer's instructions. A rear-facing restraint must not be used in front of an active front passenger airbag.

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

Child transportation rules by country

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

How to transport children in a car depends on the country where you are travelling. Some countries use height as the main criterion, while others combine age and height requirements or impose additional restrictions on the front seat.

In short:

• In Ukraine, children shorter than 145 cm must use an appropriate child restraint.
• In Germany, children under 12 who are shorter than 150 cm must use a child restraint.
• In Georgia, children under 12 cannot travel in the front seat, while separate requirements apply to children under 3.
• In Moldova, an appropriate child restraint should be used in accordance with the applicable requirements and the child's characteristics.
• In Romania, children shorter than 135 cm must use a child restraint.

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.

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.