Child Restraint Systems: New Regulations for 2017

In the next summer, a new European directive will come into effect updating the safety requirements for child restraint systems (CRS), aiming to provide greater safety for children.

The regulation R129 or i-Size, which has been in effect for 4 years and affects child seats from birth up to 105 cm, introduces new features in 2017. The R219 is the latest standard in European regulations for car seats. This second phase of the standard will have a greater impact on child seats for children over 100 centimeters.

Furthermore, the classification of child restraint systems has changed from kilograms to centimeters. This will undoubtedly facilitate the choice of the seat. Another improvement of the i-Size is the better fit in the vehicle, thanks to agreements with car manufacturers. The Law does not require the use of ISOFIX for car seats for children from 100 to 150 centimeters, but it will be optional.

What are the new requirements that car seats must meet?

• Child restraint devices will no longer be classified by weight, but by the height of the children.
• The new European regulation also requires manufacturers to subject their products to very tough crash tests, both frontal and side collisions.
• The new child restraint systems are already compatible with side curtain airbags installed in cars.

No more booster seats for children under 125 cm

In January 2017, the regulation was implemented accrediting that new high-back boosters for safety must be used by children under 125 centimeters. Older models that allow children under this height to travel without a backrest will still be sold, but only for a limited time.

High-back boosters offer greater safety and better shoulder belt positioning.

Regarding the regulations of the DGT, which specifies since October 1, 2015 that minors under 1.35 meters in height, using an approved and properly adapted child restraint system according to their size and weight, must be placed in the rear seats, except:

• When the vehicle does not have rear seats.
• When all rear seats are already occupied by other minors with the same characteristics.
• When it is not possible to install all CRS in those seats.
• If they occupy the front seats, they must always use the appropriate restraint system for their weight and size.
• If the vehicle has a front airbag, they may only use rear-facing restraint systems if the airbag has been deactivated.

When the second phase is operational in summer, the current standard for these products will not end, but both regulations will continue to exist in parallel.

At Olmitos you can find approved child restraint systems from the Fairgo brand.