Car Seat Laws in Gran Canaria or Lanzarote: What Parents Should Know Before Getting Around with Kids
- tscheiman
- Apr 7
- 2 min read

Planning a family trip to Gran Canaria or Lanzarote? Ensuring your children's safety during car journeys is paramount. Understanding Spain's car seat laws will help you navigate transportation options like taxis, rental cars, and private vehicles with confidence.
Spain's Car Seat Regulations
In Spain, it's mandatory for children under 135 cm in height to use an appropriate child restraint system. This rule applies to all private vehicles and rental cars. Children must be seated in the rear seats unless the vehicle doesn't have them or they're already occupied by other children in car seats. In such cases, a child can sit in the front seat using an appropriate restraint system, provided the airbag is deactivated. More details can be found on the Caser Expat Insurance blog.caserexpatinsurance.com
Car Seats in Taxis
Taxis have certain exemptions. For short urban journeys within city limits, taxis are not required to provide child car seats. However, for longer trips or those involving highways, the same car seat regulations as private vehicles apply. Despite the exemption, it's advisable to use a car seat whenever possible for your child's safety. Some taxi services may offer child seats if requested in advance. For instance, Taxi Bambino provides taxis equipped with child seats in Lanzarote.Reddit+2Tripadvisor+2Which?+2taxis-with-car-seats
Renting a Car with Child Seats
If you're renting a car in Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, you'll need to ensure compliance with Spain's car seat laws. Most car rental companies offer child seats as an add-on, but availability can vary, especially during peak travel seasons. It's recommended to reserve a child seat in advance to guarantee its availability. Alternatively, consider bringing your own to ensure familiarity and safety. The Fundación MAPFRE emphasizes the importance of using child seats in rental cars.Fundación MAPFRE
Tips for Parents Traveling in the Canary Islands
Plan Ahead: Whether using taxis or renting a car, arrange for a child seat in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.Tripadvisor+13Which?+13Travel 4 Baby+13
Verify Safety Standards: Ensure that any car seat used complies with EU safety standards and is appropriate for your child's age and size.
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations to ensure compliance and safety during your travels.
By understanding and adhering to Spain's car seat laws, you can ensure a safer and more comfortable
journey for your family in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Always prioritize your child's safety, regardless of the mode of transportation.
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