Passengers, children & load
Seat belts, child seats, securing loads
The seat belt: lifesaver number one
Wearing a seat belt is compulsory for all occupants – even on short trips. The lap belt sits low across the hips, the shoulder belt flat over the shoulder, with no slack. The head restraint should be level with the top of the head. You may not carry more people than there are seats with belts.
Carrying children safely
- Under 12 and shorter than 150 cm: a suitable child seat
- Only use approved seats (UN R129 “i‑Size” or R44/04)
- i‑Size: rear‑facing until at least 15 months
- Fit the seat firmly, pull the belt tight, thick jackets off
- Activate the child locks on the rear doors
Baby seat and airbag
A rear‑facing child seat may only be used on the front passenger seat if the front airbag is switched off. The airbag deploys with enormous force – this can be fatal for a baby. The back seat is safest.
Who is responsible?
As the driver, you must make sure children are properly secured. Adult passengers are responsible for their own seat belt and pay their own fine. Nobody may ride on load areas, in the boot or in a trailer.
Rear‑facing is safest
Toddlers are safest facing backwards – their head and neck are supported over a large area in a crash.
This source question references an image or scene that is not yet supplied. Do not use it for scored practice.
Securing the load
- Nothing may slide, tip over, roll or fall off
- This also applies to emergency braking and swerving
- Heavy items low down and against the seat back
- Fill gaps, use lashing straps and nets
- Don't exceed the permissible total weight or roof load
- Secure pets: crate, harness or dog guard
Loose items become missiles
In a crash at 50 km/h, an unsecured object hits with 30 to 50 times its weight. A 1.5‑litre bottle then strikes like a heavy sack of cement. So never leave bags, drinks or phones loose on the parcel shelf or seats.
Projecting loads
- Rear: max. 1.5 m, or 3 m on trips up to 100 km
- More than 1 m beyond the rear reflectors: mark it
- By day: bright red flag or panel, at least 30 × 30 cm
- At night: also a red light and a red reflector
- Vehicle including load at most 4 m high
Loading changes how the car drives
With a load, braking distance increases, the car responds more sluggishly and leans more in bends. Vans and SUVs have a high centre of gravity – quick evasive manoeuvres risk tipping. Roof boxes increase sensitivity to crosswinds. Adjust tyre pressure and headlight range and drive with more anticipation.
A ten‑year‑old child is 140 cm tall. What applies?
- The child needs a suitable child seat
- The child may use the normal belt without a booster
- The child may never sit in the front
Check answer
The child needs a suitable child seat
Under 12 and shorter than 150 cm, a suitable child seat is compulsory. Sitting in the front with a suitable seat is allowed.
Your load projects 1.2 m beyond the rear reflectors. What is required by day?
- A bright red flag or panel of at least 30 × 30 cm
- Nothing – no marking is needed up to 1.5 m
- Hazard lights for the whole journey
Check answer
A bright red flag or panel of at least 30 × 30 cm
If the load projects more than 1 m beyond the rear reflectors, its end must be marked.