Taxi Child Car Seat Laws in Spain: What Families Need to Know Before Traveling
- tscheiman
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Spain: Taxi Child Car Seat Laws - Need to Know Before Traveling
Spain is a dream destination for many families. But before you hop in a taxi or rent a car with the kids in tow, there’s one important detail to get straight—car seat laws. Understanding how child safety rules apply to taxis, private cars, and rental vehicles in Spain is key to avoiding fines and, most importantly, keeping your little ones safe.
At TaxiBambino.com, we work every day to connect families with taxis that provide the right car seats, whether you're arriving at Madrid Airport or planning a coastal road trip in Málaga. Here’s what we’ve learned from years of helping traveling parents get around Spain safely and legally.
What the Law Says in Spain
Spanish law requires that children under 135 cm (approx. 4 feet 5 inches) must use an appropriate child restraint system. This means:
Rear-facing infant seats for babies up to 13 kg.
Forward-facing seats with harness for toddlers.
Booster seats with belts for older children.
Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in the front seat unless the rear seats are occupied by other children in car seats or if the vehicle doesn’t have rear seats.
You can read the full regulation (in Spanish) on the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) website.
What About Taxis?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Licensed taxis in Spain are legally exempt from providing car seats. However, that doesn’t mean your child should ride unrestrained. Many local taxi companies offer vehicles with car seats—you just have to know where to look.
That’s exactly what we’ve made easy at TaxiBambino. Whether you're looking for a taxi with a baby seat in Barcelona or a child booster in Seville, we’ll show you the best options that meet your family's needs.
💡 Tip: Always book in advance to ensure the taxi can provide the correct car seat for your child’s weight and height.
Car Rentals in Spain with Kids
If you’re renting a car, you’re expected to provide your own child restraint system or rent one from the company. Most rental agencies like Europcar or Hertz Spain offer car seats as an add-on, but availability can vary and quality isn’t always guaranteed.
We’ve heard from many parents who were handed a seat that didn’t fit or came without clear installation instructions. That’s why we always recommend double-checking the type of car seat available and reserving it when you book your car online.
Local Transport & Rideshares
Services like Uber and Cabify operate in larger cities like Madrid and Valencia, but they’re not always family-friendly. In most cases, these rideshares don’t offer child seats by default. That’s another reason families often turn to TaxiBambino’s family taxi directory to find trusted local drivers who understand kid safety.
What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Rules?
Failure to use a child car seat when required can result in a €200 fine and 3 penalty points (if you’re driving). But more importantly, improper use puts your child at serious risk. Spanish authorities are strict on enforcement, especially during holidays when traffic controls are common.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Spain with children doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing the rules—and choosing services that prioritize safety—makes all the difference. Whether you need a taxi with an infant seat or a booster-friendly rental car, start your search with TaxiBambino.com. We’re here to make your family’s journey safer, simpler, and a lot more enjoyable.
