Car Seat Laws in Denmark: What Every Family Needs to Know
Updated: Aug 25
Denmark's child restraint law is height-based — not age-based — and it contains a taxi exemption that the original FAQ on this page described incorrectly by adding an age criterion that doesn't exist in the statute. Whether you're arriving at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), driving to Legoland in Billund, or taking taxis around Aarhus or Odense, knowing the correct threshold and the taxi provision precisely is the most useful preparation before you travel.
The Legal Requirement
Denmark's child restraint rules are set out in the Faerdselslov (Road Traffic Act). Under this act, any child under 135 cm in height must be secured in an approved child restraint system appropriate to their height and weight. The law is height-based only — there is no separate age threshold in the Danish statute. The original FAQ stated children 'under 12 years old' must use a restraint — this age criterion does not appear in Danish law.
Two additional rules apply to the youngest children: children under 3 years old may only travel in an approved child safety seat — there is no seatbelt-only fallback at this age. Children over 3 and under 135 cm must travel in the back seat. A rear-facing seat may be placed in the front passenger seat only if the airbag is fully deactivated. Children under 10 may not sit in the front seat at all, unless the rear is fully occupied by younger children or there are no seatbelts in the back. All seats must meet ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) standards. For official guidance, see the Danish Transport Authority (Faerdselsstyrelsen) and the European Commission transport safety portal - Denmark.
How It Applies to Taxis
Danish taxis operate under a legal exemption from the child restraint requirement. If no suitable child seat is available in a taxi, a child may legally travel without one, provided they sit in the rear seat. Children aged 3 and older must use the available seatbelt if no restraint is fitted. Children under 3 may travel without any restraint if none is available — the law's own acknowledgement that taxis cannot always carry the right seat for every passenger.
Standard taxis across Denmark — in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Billund, and other cities — do not carry child seats as routine equipment. A transfer from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) along the Motorring 4 into the city covers genuine motorway speed; an airport run in Billund to Legoland is equally worth protecting. Pre-booking a transfer with a confirmed, fitted seat is the protection-providing choice regardless of what the taxi exemption legally permits.
How It Applies to Rental Cars
Rental cars carry no exemption. Full compliance with the Faerdselslov is mandatory from the moment you collect the vehicle at CPH, Billund Airport (BLL), or any Danish rental location. Rental companies offer child seats as an add-on — book in writing, specify your child's height and weight, and check the ECE label before driving away. Summer availability at Billund Airport can tighten given Legoland visitor volumes.
Fines and Penalties
The fine for transporting a child without the required restraint in a private or rental vehicle is up to 2,000 DKK (approximately EUR270). Danish police enforce this at roadside checks. For current official details, refer to the Danish Transport Authority (Faerdselsstyrelsen).
Quick Reference
• Under 135 cm -> child restraint required (height only -- no age criterion in Danish law)
• 135 cm or taller -> standard adult seatbelt sufficient
• Under 3 years -> must always be in an approved child seat; no seatbelt fallback
• 3 and older, under 135 cm -> must travel in rear seat
• Under 10 years -> front seat prohibited unless rear is fully occupied by younger children
• Taxis -> exemption; over-3s use rear seatbelt if no CRS available; under-3s may travel without restraint if none available
• Rental cars -> no exemption; full requirement from moment of collection
• Fine -> up to 2,000 DKK (~EUR270)
• Accepted standards -> ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size)
FAQ
• Are car seats mandatory in Denmark?
Yes, for children under 135 cm in height. Danish law is height-based only -- there is no separate age threshold. The original FAQ added 'or under 12 years old' which is not in the Danish statute.
• Do taxis in Denmark have to provide child car seats?
No. Danish taxis have a legal exemption from the child restraint requirement under the Faerdselslov. If no seat is available, a child may travel in the rear seat -- over-3s must use the available seatbelt; under-3s may travel without any restraint.
• Can I bring my own car seat to Denmark?
Yes. Seats meeting ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) standards are valid in Denmark. For infants, bringing your own seat from home is strongly recommended rather than relying on rental stock quality.
• What is the height threshold for child seats in Denmark?
Once your child reaches 135 cm, a standard adult seatbelt is legally sufficient. There is no separate age threshold -- height is the only statutory criterion.
• Can I book a taxi with a child seat from Copenhagen Airport?
Yes. Taxibambino.com lets you specify the seat type -- infant, forward-facing, or booster -- when booking your CPH transfer or any journey in Denmark. The seat is confirmed and fitted before pickup.
This page is reviewed and updated regularly. For the most current official rules, always check your destination country's government transport authority.
Denmark requires a restraint for children under 135 cm. In a taxi the exemption is conditional rather than absolute: a child under 3 may travel unrestrained only in the rear, a child aged 3 or over uses the ordinary seatbelt in the rear, and where the taxi does carry approved child equipment it must be used. Front-seat travel without a restraint is not covered at all.
Independently of the law, the physics are unchanged: a seat approved to ECE R44/04 or i-Size (R129) on rigid ISOFIX anchors holds its line where a belt-only fit works loose — particularly on the E20 and the Øresund crossing in crosswinds. Space is the other constraint our drivers meet at the rank, which is filled largely with compact and mid-sized cars: two bulky seats plus a double stroller and the luggage already fills one.
Last updated: August 2026. Reviewed by Lija Scheiman, CEO, TaxiBambino Content Audit Team.
Travel Safely with Taxibambino
Knowing the law is one thing -- having the right seat ready when you land is another. Taxibambino.com connects families with certified child-seat taxis and airport transfers in Denmark and 150+ destinations worldwide. Infant seats, forward-facing seats, and boosters for all ages, booked in advance so nothing is left to chance on arrival.
Book your taxi with child car seats -> https://www.taxibambino.com
As a rule of thumb on seat groups: under about 13 kg a rear-facing infant carrier; roughly 9–18 kg a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness; 15–25 kg a high-back booster; and above that a booster until the adult belt sits correctly across the shoulder and hips rather than the neck and stomach.
Travelling as a larger family? See our vehicle fleet.