If you are transporting children in your vehicle, the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) has crucial information for you regarding restraint systems.
“Children’s safety in cars relies on the correct use of CRS [Child Restraint Systems], reducing the risk of death in an accident by 71% for infants and 51% for children,” states the PSP in a social media message.
“But how to choose the right restraint system for your child?” is the question addressed by the PSP, beginning with the fact that “restraint systems should follow the R129 standard (i-Size standard).”
This “is based on the child’s height and reinforces lateral and frontal protection, which is essential for protecting the child’s neck and head.” Look for “the orange label on the equipment.”
The first restraint system
The first restraint system, according to the PSP post, should be “used from birth until 75 or 87 centimeters”. Remember: It should be “installed rear-facing” – it’s the “traditional ‘egg’ or ‘baby seat’.”
The PSP also highlights that “if you choose this CRS, as long as the baby does not exceed the height limit indicated by the manufacturer, the harness remains at shoulder height, and the head is well supported, there is no need to switch to the next CRS.”
1/2 Safety starts early!
Children’s car safety relies on the correct use of CRS, reducing the risk of death in an accident by 71% for infants and 51% for children.
Because every journey counts, make the safety of your little ones a priority.#semprepresente pic.twitter.com/o4gW4zldDF— PSP – Polícia de Segurança Pública (@PSP_Portugal) August 30, 2025
And what about the subsequent restraint systems?
There are three ‘heights’ (of children) to remember: Up to 105 centimeters, after 105 centimeters, and from 125 centimeters.
If the child in your vehicle is up to 105 centimeters, the authority reminds that you must “keep the rear-facing installation”.
However, after the child is 105 centimeters tall, systems are “mostly forward-facing” and “there are models approved up to 125cm, 135cm, or 150cm”.
In this case, the PSP emphasizes the use of “the car’s seat belt, maintaining greater side protection and comfort for the child”.
Finally, the authority informs about situations involving children from 125 centimeters: “A booster seat may be used if the car has headrests in the rear seats and the belt does not inconvenience the child’s neck”, explains the PSP in the post.
ISOFIX systems
“For ISOFIX systems [car seat attachments], we must ensure that” the “when correctly fixed, the red color disappears and turns green, confirming correct attachment to the vehicle”.
According to the authority, “the ISOFIX does not offer more safety than belt restraint, but remember the three fixation points!“
Additionally, a warning is issued: “Not all CRS are compatible with all vehicles. Check the car manufacturer’s manual and attempt to try the CRS before finalizing the purchase”.
2/2 Children under the age of 12 transported in cars equipped with seat belts, if under 135 cm in height, should be secured by a standard-approved restraint system suitable for their size and weight.#semprepresente pic.twitter.com/EYYF9jNhT0
— PSP – Polícia de Segurança Pública (@PSP_Portugal) August 30, 2025
