Germany Car Seat Dilema

We're traveling to Germany with 3 kids aged 9, 10 and 12 and will be touring the country by car. All are less than 150 cm, the 9 & 10 year olds weigh about 50 lbs, the 12 year old weighs about 65 lbs.

I understand that under German law, children under 12 and under 150 cm must be in approved car seats. As best as I figure the requirements:
(a) my 9-and-10-year-olds have to be in "officially approved" type 3 car seats, and
(b) my 12-year-old does not have to be in a car seat.

Any insights on whether this interpretation is correct and/or where I can get car seats that are legal for kids in Germany are appreciated.

[scatterbunny]

Bump

[Gypsy]

http://www.promi.cz/index.php?c=p&id=438

Are you using a travel agency? You may ask them about it.

Another option is to wait until you get there, get directions from someone to a store that carries booster seats, and then buy them first thing (leaving your spouse and kids at the airport even).

I think it's illegal to ship child safety seats to other countries

[NZ Child Restraints]

Originally Posted by Gypsy

http://www.promi.cz/index.php?c=p&id=438

Are you using a travel agency? You may ask them about it.

Another option is to wait until you get there, get directions from someone to a store that carries booster seats, and then buy them first thing (leaving your spouse and kids at the airport even).

I think it's illegal to ship child safety seats to other countries

Not illegal, but need to ensure standards are compliant.

NZ we can accept UK, NZ/AU and american seats need the NZ "S" added.
So we can buy from uk and bring back but from the US we need certification
Pays to check out the countries law. I can only help with NZ and AU laws.

[Gypsy]

You can also check German Ebay

http://translate.google.com/translat...ial%26hs%3D0GM

[bbartlettnfld]

Are you moving to Germany or just visiting? If you are just visiting I would take some Low back boosters for your 2 younger to children. I think you have a 3 month "grace Period" to get seats manufactured for that country, so taking some low back boosters on vacation should not be a problem.

I hope this helps.
BethAnn

[papooses]

Legally, I think you are correct, but if your 12 year old does not pass the 5 Step Test, then you should use a booster.

If you are only visiting Germany, you might contact the American Embassy and/or Army base for borrowing boosters -- Ulrike (CPST forum moderator) might know more about this

[lil96]

I know this is old, but thouhgt I might add: I have noticed lately at the "Baumarkts" (Home Depot type stores, such as Obi and Hagebaumarkt) they have plain boosters for 10euros.