Car Seat Laws in Lisbon: What Parents Need to Know for Safe Travel with Kids
- tscheiman
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Planning a family trip to Lisbon? Whether you're getting around by taxi, renting a car, or booking airport transfers, it’s important to know Portugal’s car seat laws—especially if you're traveling with babies or young children.
At Taxi Bambino, we know how confusing it can be to figure out the rules in another country, especially when it comes to your child’s safety. That’s why we’ve put together this quick and clear guide to child car seat regulations in Lisbon, so you can focus on enjoying the trip (not Googling car seat laws at the airport).
What Does Portuguese Law Say About Car Seats?
In Portugal, including Lisbon, all children under 12 years old and under 135 cm (about 4 feet 5 inches) must use a child restraint system appropriate for their size and weight. This applies in private cars, rental vehicles, and taxis.
So, if your child is under 12 and doesn’t meet the height requirement, they must use a car seat or booster seat—no exceptions for short rides, unfortunately.
👉 You can read the official rules (in English) on the European Commission’s transport safety page.
What About in Taxis?
Taxis in Lisbon are legally allowed to carry children without a car seat, only if you're in the rear seat and it’s a short urban ride. That said, it’s not the safest option—and as parents ourselves, we don’t recommend it.
That’s why Taxi Bambino works with local providers who do offer taxis with proper car seats, whether you need an infant seat, toddler seat, or booster. You just have to pre-book to make sure the right seat is installed when your taxi arrives.
In practice, while some drivers may accept kids without a seat for short trips, we always advise you to book in advance with a seat, especially for airport transfers or longer rides.
Renting a Car in Lisbon with Kids?
If you're renting a car in Lisbon, you’ll be expected to follow the same laws. Most major car rental companies offer child seats as an add-on, but you’ll need to reserve them ahead of time—and they’re not always in great condition.
That’s another reason why many parents prefer to book taxis with car seats, especially if you only need a few rides around town or to and from the airport.
Also worth noting: Portuguese law requires that children under 3 years of age cannot sit in the front seat, even with a child seat. Children over 3 can only sit in the front with a booster seat and if the rear seats are already occupied by other children in car seats.
More details (in Portuguese) are available via Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária, the national road safety authority.
How Taxi Bambino Helps
At Taxi Bambino, we make it easy to travel safely in Lisbon. When you book your ride with us, you can select the type of car seat you need, based on your child’s age and size. We take care of the rest—so your taxi shows up clean, safe, and ready for your family.
No last-minute stress. No awkward conversations with drivers. Just safe and reliable travel from Lisbon Airport, your hotel, or anywhere in the city.yone.
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