Child Seats & Luggage: Rules and Safely Packing Your Car

An approved child seat and a correctly packed car are not minor details, but the foundation of a safe journey. The topic of child seats and luggage: rules and safe car packing is therefore a core component of well-considered travel planning. Read on and discover how, with a few targeted steps, you can significantly improve the safety and comfort for all your passengers.

The right child seats: rules in Europe

Within the European Union, the use of an approved child seat is mandatory for children up to a certain height or age. The basic rule is that every child under 1.35 metres must sit in a suitable and approved car seat. When purchasing or using a seat, pay attention to the approval marks. This must be an ECE R44/04 or an R129 (i-Size) approval mark. The i-Size standard is newer and sets stricter requirements, such as mandatory rearward facing travel for at least 15 months and better protection in a side-impact collision.

The safest place for a child seat is always in the back seat. Never place a child seat in the front passenger seat if the airbag is activated. In a collision, the force of the airbag can cause serious injury. If the airbag cannot be deactivated, the back seat is the only correct option. For the very youngest children (up to 15 months), rearward-facing travel is the norm, as this better protects the neck and head in a frontal collision.

Specific rules in popular holiday destinations

Although the basic rules in the EU are harmonised, details may vary by country. In Germany, as in the Netherlands, a child seat is mandatory for children up to 1.50 metres or 12 years old. The German police and the inspection body (TÜV) are known for their strict controls on the correct fastening and use of approved seats. In countries like France and Belgium, fines for incorrectly transporting a child can be substantial. Therefore, always check the specific rules for your destination and any transit countries before departure.

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‘ A water bottle, book, or tablet turns into a dangerous projectile during sudden braking. ’

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Safely packing your car for a family road trip

A well-packed car is a stable car. The vehicle’s centre of gravity plays an important role here. The lower the centre of gravity, the better the road holding. The basic principle is therefore simple: place the heaviest luggage as low and as close to the rear axle as possible. This means at the bottom of the boot and as close as possible to the backrest of the rear seats. This makes the car more stable and reduces the chance of luggage shooting through the car during an emergency stop.

Follow a logical order when loading. A good approach looks like this:

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• Heavy items first: Place suitcases, crates of drinks, or a cool box directly on the boot floor, against the back seats.
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• Lighter items on top: Place lighter and softer luggage such as bags of clothes, sleeping bags, or towels on top of the heavy items.
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• Keep the parcel shelf clear: Never place loose items on the parcel shelf. A water bottle, book, or tablet turns into a dangerous projectile during sudden braking.
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• Use a luggage net: If you stack luggage higher than the backrest of the rear seats, use a luggage net or cargo barrier. This prevents items from coming forward in a collision.
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Also check your car’s maximum permissible weight. This is stated on the vehicle registration document. An overloaded car has a longer braking distance, handles differently in bends, and consumes more fuel.

Properly using a roof box

A roof box offers extra storage space, but it is not intended for heavy items. The weight on the roof increases the car’s centre of gravity, which negatively affects road holding. Therefore, only use a roof box for light, bulky items such as sleeping bags, tents, or beach gear. The maximum weight for a roof box is usually between 50 and 75 kilograms. Always check what the car manufacturer and roof box manufacturer prescribe.

Distribute the weight in the roof box evenly. The rule of thumb is to place about 50% of the weight in the middle, between the roof bars. The remaining 50% should be distributed evenly over the front and back. Ensure all items in the box are securely fastened with the supplied straps so they don’t shift during the journey.

Influence of luggage on tyre pressure before departure

Extra weight from passengers and luggage directly affects the tyres. A fully loaded car requires higher tyre pressure than for daily use. Correct tyre pressure ensures stable road holding, a shorter braking distance, and prevents excessive tyre wear. Driving with insufficient tyre pressure can lead to overheating and even a blow-out.

The recommended tyre pressure for a loaded car is usually stated on a sticker inside the driver’s door, in the fuel cap, or in the car’s instruction manual. This value is often 0.3 to 0.5 bar higher than the normal pressure. Check the tyre pressure when the tyres are ‘cold’, i.e., before you have driven a long distance. Preferably do this after the car has been fully packed, so the measurement corresponds to the actual travel weight.

On the Traveler Tips website, you’ll find much more useful information about route planning, vignettes for European countries, and the most beautiful destinations for your next driving holiday. Discover more and set off perfectly prepared.

Frequently asked questions