Safe on the road in Mallorca - with a child, clear rules and the right seat
Mallorca is a popular destination for families. Sun, beach, short flight time - but what many only realize after landing: Even on the vacation island, rules apply when children are in the car.
Anyone booking a rental car should be aware of this, Which child seat is mandatorywhere the child is allowed to sit - and what happens if the right seat is missing. The regulations in Spain are sometimes different to those in Germany. We explain what is important. Without scaremongering, without small print.
📏 What applies in Spain? - The most important regulations on compulsory child seats
Spain has clear rules when it comes to transporting children in the car - they apply also in a rental car and are controlled.
The rule of thumb:
Children under 135 cm height may not on the passenger seat unless the rear seat is already occupied by child seats or is missing. In this case, the front passenger airbag must be deactivated.
The legal obligation:
- Babies up to approx. 13 kg: Rear-facing infant carrier (ECE Group 0/0+)
- Children 9-18 kg: Child seat with harness (ECE Group I)
- Children from 15 kg to 36 kg or 135 cm: Booster seat with backrest (ECE Group II/III)
- From 135 cm: seat belt compulsory, but seat no longer necessary
Attention: Unlike in Germany, where 150 cm height is decisive, the obligation to sit ends in Spain at 135 cm - not age.
👉 Being incorrectly secured on the road can cost money - even in a rental car.
👉 Anyone driving without a suitable seat risks a fine of €100 or more.
👉 There are no exceptions for "just a quick trip to the beach" at police checkpoints.
📌 Source: ADAC compulsory child seat Europe
🚗 What do rental car providers offer - and what should parents know?
Many families assume that a child seat is simply part of the package when booking a rental car. In fact, this is not a matter of course - and regulated very differently depending on the provider.
Clear options, easy selection with our partner Sunny Cars
If you rent a car via isla-travel.com/car-rental gets access to the booking system of Sunny Carsa provider that takes family needs into account.
As a rule, the following are provided:
- Baby car seats (0-13 kg)
- Infant seats (9-18 kg)
- Booster seats with backrest (15-36 kg)
The seat category can be selected when booking directly selected be selected. In some cases, the selection is only indicated as "child seat" - the specific model is then selected according to the age information provided by the provider.
📌 Important to know:
- The Fee for a child seat is usually between 5-10 € per day, often with a maximum amount per rental.
- Payment is usually made on sitenot in advance.
- Not every provider has every seat in stock - especially in the high season.
- Bring your own seats is possible - but bulky, and there is sometimes a risk of damage during transportation by plane.
👉 Our tip: Book early and specify seat categoryespecially when traveling with babies or several children.
🧩 What to do if ...? - Answers to frequently asked questions from parents
Parents think for themselves. And that's a good thing. Especially when traveling, there are many "What if..." questions. Here are the most important cases - clearly answered:
❓ What if the booked child seat is not available?
This rarely happens, but it can happen - especially in the high season. Our recommendation:
- Seat specify early when bookingnot just on site.
- Directly after arrival Check availabilityIf necessary, file a complaint.
- In case of problems: Contact the Sunny Cars hotline - fast, German-speaking, solution-oriented.
❓ Is the seat clean and undamaged?
Most providers clean and check child seats regularly. Nevertheless: Check briefly never hurts. Straps, padding, fasteners - everything should be intact and clean. If you are unsure, you can insist on a change.
❓ Can I take my own child seat with me?
Yes, but:
- Observe airline regulations (mostly as bulky baggage)
- Own seat model should be developed in Spain authorized be
- No surcharge with Sunny Carsas no seat is rented
This is worthwhile if the child knows their own seat and feels comfortable in it - especially on long journeys.
❓ Can my child sit in the front if he has poor eyesight in the back?
Only under certain conditions:
- Child under 135 cm? Then only on the passenger seatif the rear seat is occupied or not available.
- Airbag must be deactivated when the seat is facing backwards.
- For older children: The rear is safer - better because of the crumple zone.
🧾 Well prepared, safe on the road - even on vacation in Mallorca
A rental car gives families flexibility - especially on an island like Mallorca. But flexibility needs security.
A suitable child seat is not an optional extra, but a must. In Spain, there are clear regulations that also apply to vacationers.
With Sunny Cars - bookable via isla-travel.com/car-rental - both can be combined:
Clear booking, legally secure execution, suitable seats on site.
Parents should book the seat in good time, check whether it fits - and don't hesitate to contact us or the provider if you have any questions. If you start well prepared, you won't begin your vacation with stress, but with a feeling of security.
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