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Child Seat Rules in Italy: What Parents Need to Know

In Italy, children under 1.50 m generally need an approved child restraint suited to their size when travelling in an ordinary car. 36 kg is a limit associated with older seat categories, not a separate legal permission to stop using a restraint. Taxis and licensed private hire cars have a specific exception, but parents can still arrange a suitable seat; Global Transfer provides child seats free of charge.

Height determines when the general requirement ends

A child who exceeds 36 kg but remains below 1.50 m does not automatically qualify to travel with an adult belt alone. The taxi and NCC exception permits travel without a child restraint on a rear seat when accompanied by a passenger aged at least 16. These distinctions appear in [ACI’s explanation of Article 172](https://aci.gov.it/codice-della-strada/art-172/).

For planning purposes, keep the legal threshold separate from the limits printed on a particular seat. Outgrowing a seat means finding an appropriate replacement, rather than assuming the child has outgrown the requirement. Check the seat instructions against the child’s current measurements.

Request a seat using measurements, not just age

“Child seat required” leaves too much unspecified. An infant and a school-age child need different arrangements, and children of the same age can differ considerably in size. Send the details before travel so the seat request can be checked.

Give each child’s age, height and weight.
State how many children need restraints.
Include the total passenger count, including children.
Describe your suitcases, folded pushchair and other bulky luggage.
Ask for confirmation that the requested seating arrangement fits the chosen vehicle.

If bringing your own seat, check its installation instructions and compatibility with the booked vehicle in advance. Do not assume that every attachment method will be available. Keep the instructions accessible rather than packed at the bottom of a suitcase.

Check the arrangement before leaving the airport

A booked seat still needs attention at pickup. Before departure, check that it matches the child’s size and that its installation and harness follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask the driver to resolve any uncertainty before the journey starts.

Keep drinks, spare clothes and anything needed during the drive within reach of the accompanying adult. Pack other luggage so it does not obstruct access to the child’s seat. A pushchair’s folded dimensions are more useful for planning boot space than its brand name.

The taxi exception is a legal allowance, not a reason to leave the seating decision until the airport queue. Reserving the restraint in advance makes the arrangement clearer for everyone involved.

Compare the whole journey, including the station connection

For accommodation near a convenient station, a train may be cheaper and practical. Compare the rail fare with the full party’s transport costs, including any onward journey from the station. A car becomes easier to justify when that last connection adds another vehicle change with luggage and a pushchair.

Using the supplied distances and rounding fares to the nearest €5:

Malpensa to Milan: 50 km, approximately 55 minutes; E-Class €130, V-Class €150.
Malpensa to Bellagio: 78 km, approximately 75 minutes; E-Class €185, V-Class €215.

These are prices per vehicle. E-Class carries up to 3 passengers and V-Class up to 7; children count towards those totals. Passenger capacity alone does not confirm room for every combination of seats and luggage. The opposite direction costs the same, while a return booking contains separate outward and inbound journeys.

Put the child-seat details into the booking

Book Global Transfer through the website’s booking page and include the child-seat request with the passenger and luggage details. Child seats carry no extra charge. The service includes a name-board greeting, 1 hour of airport waiting, water, Wi-Fi and charging facilities.