In Help Flash we see security as everything, but there are occupants of a vehicle that, due to its increased fragility and morphology, require additional care and specific restraint and security systems. We falamos, obviously, das crianças.
Follow our advice and use the most suitable restraint system for the comfort and safety of your “small” children.
According to Portuguese legislation, children under 12 years of age, as long as they have a height of less than 135 cm, must be transported on the back bench and safely by an approved restraint system adapted to their size and weight. But there are also exceptions here:
- In children with less than 3 years of experience, the transport can be done in the front bench, in the passenger area, using a restraint system turned to the rear, but always pay attention that the airbag in this place must be deactivated (depending on the make of the car there is a switch – command or key – that allows you to do things in a simple way).
- In children with an age equal to or greater than 3 years, you will also be able to carry out the same transportation in front of your car without safety belts on the rear bench or without this bench (as in the case of two commercial vehicles or only two places, for example).
Attention! Our cars, in their condition, do not have safety belts at the front and rear and the transportation of children under 3 years of age is prohibited.
What childcare chain should I purchase?
The first criterion in acquiring a “childhood chain” is to ensure that it is suitable for the dimensions and weight of the child and that it is comfortable and safe for itself. It is also essential that it conforms to the two standards to be considered: ECE R44 and UN R129 (also known as i-Size) .
Regulamentos da cadeira R44
The ECE R44/04 standard is recognized in more than 100 countries around the world. The child transport chains are divided into groups according to the same weight:
Group 0+ (from birth to 13 kg)
Cluster 1 (two 9 years old 18 kg)
Groups 2/3 (two 15 years 36 kg)
Keep in mind that all children must travel in the opposite direction from start to finish at 9 months of age.
R129/i-Size car chain regulations
The other type of approval label that you can find is an i-Size label. According to the ECE R44 standard, it depends on the basis and weight of the child, while the most recent i-Size chains têm by base or compression of children, or that facilitates the process for the responsible adults. Also, the i-Size auto chains For them to be subjected to more rigorous tests than the old R44 auto chains and offer better head and fish protection.
Please note that it is illegal to use a chain that does not have one of these approvals and that you must always pay attention to the code of the R44 standard. This must be replaced from 03 or 04. A car chain manufactured before 1995 and approved in accordance with the ECE R44/01 or R44/02 standards is illegal and its use or sale is prohibited.
There are three types of chain approval according to your installation:
Homologação universal
A universal approval label indicates which chain is suitable for installation in all cars. If it is a chain with ISOFIX, you will have to use the ISOFIX anchor points of your car, including the upper strap or the support foot. In case of doubt, consult your vehicle's instruction manual to confirm whether it is adapted for "child car chains with ISOFIX Universal".
Homologação semi-universal
Uma etiqueta de homologação semi-universal indicates that the auto chain is suitable for installation in all cars. For your peace of mind, consult the list of car models from the child car chain manufacturer. If the make and model of your car are indicated on the list, this means that you can be rested when you are adequately equipped for the car chain.
Approval for specific vehicle
A vehicle-specific auto chain is approved only for use in these automobiles. The car must be included in the list of car models of the chain manufacturer for children.
