What are the current rules for children using booster seats in France?
Fines for noncompliance can rise to €750
All children under 10 must be in a baby or booster seat when in a car
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Reader Question: What are the rules for using a child booster seat in a car in France? Is there a maximum weight or height limit?
All children under the age of 10 must travel in an approved child restraint system when in a moving vehicle in France.
These seats must correspond to the child’s size and be correctly installed in the vehicle, according to France’s road safety authority, Sécurité routière.
Children should normally sit in the rear seats of the car. However, there are some exceptions, including if a child is travelling in a rear-facing child seat with the front passenger airbag deactivated.
Rear-facing seats for babies
Babies must travel in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 15 months old under European safety regulations.
French road safety authorities also recommend keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible, within the limits set by the seat manufacturer.
When can a child stop using a booster seat?
Once a child reaches the age of 10, they no longer need a booster or child seat and must instead wear a standard seatbelt.
A child under 10 may also be able to use a standard seatbelt if their body shape is considered suitable for it — generally when they are around 1.5 metres tall — although road safety authorities recommend using an appropriate child seat for as long as possible.
Children aged 10 and over may also sit in the front passenger seat without restrictions.
Fines for non-compliance
Drivers who fail to correctly install a child in an appropriate restraint system risk a fine of up to €750, although the standard fixed fine is usually €135.
The same penalties apply if a child aged 10 or over is not wearing a seatbelt.
EU rules on booster seats
Child car seats and booster seats sold in France must comply with European safety standards.
Buyers should check for an approval label — usually orange — showing compliance with either UN/ECE R129 (also known as i-Size) or the older R44 standard.
Since September 2024, only seats complying with the newer R129 standard can be newly sold in the EU. Older R44-approved seats remain legal to use if they were purchased before that date.
