Traffic Law Changes May 2014 Now Added to Traffic Reglament

That is, only a couple of them.

Would like to refer to our info document re the Law Changes, from May 2014 and confirm that the Traffic Reglament now includes the changes re the use of homologated child retention seats and minimum length for minors to be allowed to occupy front seats.

Vehicles up to 9 seats, including driver:

– use of safety belts is obligatory for both driver and passengers when they are installed in the vehicle

• if a vehicle does not have safety belts installed, you CAN NOT transport minors under 1,35 in it

– use of homologated child retention seats is obligatory as well, as long as minors are of height of up to 1.35 m

– minors of height up to 1.35 should be seated on homologated child retention seats, appropiate for their height and weight, installed in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer, on the back seats of the vehicle

– exceptions: allowed on front seats if no back seats available, or if all available back seats are occupied by minors of lesser height or there is no possibility to install another retention seat (often the case when 3 seats need to be installed and only sufficient room for 2)

– if a minor is placed in a backwards facing retention seat on the front seat and the vehicle is equipped with an airbag, this needs to be deactivated

• allowed in taxis without child retention seat if the ride takes place within city limits, in all other cases, the use of child retention seats is obligatory. Children under 1,35 m to be seated on back seats and only allowed on front seat if all back seats are occupied by minors of lesser height.

In vehicles of more than 9 seats, driver included, the passengers will be informed of the obligatory use of safety belts and child retention seats (re children as of age 3), either by the driver, the guide or other person in charge, by means of audiovisual info or written notification/pictograms displayed on the backseats of each seat in the vehicle. If no child retention seats available, regular safety belts can be used instead, provided they are adequate for their height and weight.

This modification to the ´Reglamento General de Circulación´ will come into force on the 1st of October 2015.

Non compliance with these rules will be considered as a grave, or very grave infraction.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.