The DGT is focusing on these child car seats sold online: some are outright illegal.

11/09/2026 12:30

Updated to

11/09/2026 12:30

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Purchasing a child car seat online could result in getting a product that isn’t even approved for use in Spain. The General Directorate of Traffic has warned about the presence, especially on platforms outside the European Union, of child restraint systems that don’t meet required standards and can still be sold despite lacking recognized homologation.

The agency urges special attention to be paid to this type of offers and avoiding letting price be the sole criterion for purchase. The issue affects more than just product quality: a car seat that has not passed the European homologation process is illegal and cannot be used on Spanish roads, as explicitly stated by DGT.

The orange label is one of the key indicators to determine whether a car seat is legal.

The current standard for new car seats sold in Europe is Regulation ECE R129. The DGT recommends checking that the device has this approval before purchasing it, noting that the orange label placed on the seat structure itself serves as an identifier showing information related to its certification.

This verification is particularly important when making purchases from websites outside the EU. Tráfico warns that online, there are models that do not meet European regulations and even products without any valid approval. In such cases, although they can be purchased and shipped to Spain, their use is not permitted.

This warning comes at a time when the use of child restraint systems still suffers from significant shortcomings. According to data published by DGT itself, only 46% of children travel properly protected in their seats, while the WHO estimates that between 30% and 60% of these devices are used incorrectly.

The requirement in Spain depends on the child’s height

Spanish regulations stipulate that minors with a height of 135 centimeters or less must travel using an approved child restraint system tailored to their characteristics. In vehicles with up to nine seats, they generally must use these systems in the rear seats, except for exceptions outlined in the General Traffic Regulations.

Safety also doesn’t depend solely on having an approved child seat. Regulations require these systems to be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as incorrect installation can significantly reduce their protective capacity. The DGT also recommends continuing to use a SRI until the child is about 150 centimeters tall, as long as it is suitable for them.

Failing to use the mandatory restraint system also has administrative consequences. The violation can result in a fine of 200 euros and the loss of four points from the driver’s license if the driver is at fault. This is why the Traffic Department’s warning about car seats purchased online goes beyond a mere consumption recommendation: it is essential to verify that they have valid approval for use in Europe before using them.