What are the car seat rules for children in Luxembourg?

The rules are in article 160bis of the Highway Code (Code de la route):

• Under 3 years: a child must always travel in an approved child restraint (car seat). This applies in every motor vehicle except buses and coaches, and the exceptions listed below for older children do not apply.
• From 3 to 17 years and under 150 cm: the child must use an approved child restraint, such as a car seat or booster, in cars, vans, lorries, motorhomes and small enclosed vehicles such as quadricycles.
• Approved means the seat carries an approval mark under UN/ECE Regulation 44 or Regulation 129 (i-Size). It must be fitted as the manufacturer instructs, suit the child's weight and hold the child firmly while the vehicle moves.
• A rear-facing seat must never be used on a seat with an active front airbag. Switch the airbag off first, or use another seat.
• The driver is responsible for making sure every minor travels as the rules require.

For children aged 3 and over who are under 150 cm, a few exceptions allow the seat belt instead of a car seat, with the child seated outside the front row when the car has rear seats:

• the child weighs more than 36 kg;
• a taxi without a child seat;
• an occasional short trip with no more than 5 people including the driver, when there are not enough car seats;
• a third child in the back, when a third car seat does not fit.

The rules also apply to cars registered abroad. Most child-seat offences cost a 145 euro fine and 2 points off the driver's licence.

The Legilux text (opens in a new tab) is in French only.