Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the leading distributor of Sparco Kids car seats in Poland, we’d like to share key information about the upcoming changes to child safety regulations in vehicles.
Starting September 1, 2024, new rules will come into effect that will significantly impact how we transport our children in cars.
We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you understand these changes and ensure you’re fully compliant with the new safety requirements.
Key changes in the regulations
1. Ban on forward-facing seats for the youngest children
As of September 1st, it will be forbidden to transport children under 15 months of age in forward-facing car seats. This change aims to better protect the fragile spine and head of young children in the event of a frontal collision.
2. New homologation standards
Only car seats with i-Size (R129) or UN R129 certification will be approved for sale. Seats with the older ECE R44/04 certification will no longer be available on the market, although those already purchased can still be used.
3. Stricter penalties
Penalties for violating the new regulations have increased. A fine for transporting a child without a proper car seat — or for failing to follow the new rules — can reach up to PLN 3,000.
As of September 1st, it will be forbidden to transport children under 15 months of age in forward-facing car seats. This change aims to better protect the fragile spine and head of young children in the event of a frontal collision.
2. New homologation standards
Only car seats with i-Size (R129) or UN R129 certification will be approved for sale. Seats with the older ECE R44/04 certification will no longer be available on the market, although those already purchased can still be used.
3. Stricter penalties
Penalties for violating the new regulations have increased. A fine for transporting a child without a proper car seat — or for failing to follow the new rules — can reach up to PLN 3,000.
How to recognize the right car seat?
The key to complying with the new regulations is the ability to identify which safety standard your car seat meets. Here’s what to pay attention to:
1. Certification label
Every legally approved car seat must have a visible label with a homologation mark. This label will show whether the product meets the current R129/i-Size standard or the older ECE R44/04 standard.
2. Beware of outdated standards
If the label shows older approvals such as R44/03 or R44/02, it means the car seat does not meet current safety requirements.
3. No label or foreign standards
A car seat without a visible label or with certifications based on non-European standards (e.g., American or Chinese) is not considered legal under Polish law.
1. Certification label
Every legally approved car seat must have a visible label with a homologation mark. This label will show whether the product meets the current R129/i-Size standard or the older ECE R44/04 standard.
2. Beware of outdated standards
If the label shows older approvals such as R44/03 or R44/02, it means the car seat does not meet current safety requirements.
3. No label or foreign standards
A car seat without a visible label or with certifications based on non-European standards (e.g., American or Chinese) is not considered legal under Polish law.
Why is this so important?
Complying with the new regulations is not just about avoiding a fine. Here’s why paying close attention to car seat certification is so important:
1. Safety first
Car seats that meet the latest standards have undergone rigorous safety testing, based on the most recent research and technologies in the field of child protection in vehicles.
2. Consequences in case of an accident
In the event of a serious road accident, experts and assessors carefully check whether the child was being transported in accordance with the current regulations.
Using a non-compliant car seat can lead to serious legal and insurance consequences.
3. Long-term benefits
Investing in a seat that meets the newest standards is an investment in your child’s safety for years to come.
Modern car seats offer improved side impact protection, better energy absorption, and are easier to install correctly.
1. Safety first
Car seats that meet the latest standards have undergone rigorous safety testing, based on the most recent research and technologies in the field of child protection in vehicles.
2. Consequences in case of an accident
In the event of a serious road accident, experts and assessors carefully check whether the child was being transported in accordance with the current regulations.
Using a non-compliant car seat can lead to serious legal and insurance consequences.
3. Long-term benefits
Investing in a seat that meets the newest standards is an investment in your child’s safety for years to come.
Modern car seats offer improved side impact protection, better energy absorption, and are easier to install correctly.
Practical tips from Sparco Kids experts
1. Regular checks
Even if your current car seat meets the standards, it’s important to regularly inspect its condition and ensure it still fits your child’s height and weight.
2. Proper installation
Remember, even the best car seat won’t provide optimal protection if it’s not installed correctly. Always read the manual carefully and don’t hesitate to ask experts for help.
3. Educate other caregivers
Make sure that everyone who may transport your child (grandparents, babysitters, etc.) is aware of the new regulations and knows how to use the car seat properly.
4. Avoid buying used car seats
While it may seem like a way to save money, buying second-hand car seats carries risks. You don’t know the seat’s history — it could have been in an accident or improperly stored, which can reduce its protective capabilities.
Even if your current car seat meets the standards, it’s important to regularly inspect its condition and ensure it still fits your child’s height and weight.
2. Proper installation
Remember, even the best car seat won’t provide optimal protection if it’s not installed correctly. Always read the manual carefully and don’t hesitate to ask experts for help.
3. Educate other caregivers
Make sure that everyone who may transport your child (grandparents, babysitters, etc.) is aware of the new regulations and knows how to use the car seat properly.
4. Avoid buying used car seats
While it may seem like a way to save money, buying second-hand car seats carries risks. You don’t know the seat’s history — it could have been in an accident or improperly stored, which can reduce its protective capabilities.
Summary
The new regulations may seem complex at first, but their purpose is to ensure the highest level of safety for our children. As a distributor of Sparco Kids, we’re here to help you adjust to these changes. We offer a wide range of car seats that meet the new standards, and our experts are ready to answer all your questions.
Remember, a child’s safety in the car is not just a matter of legal compliance — it’s above all our parental responsibility.
By investing in a high-quality, regulation-compliant car seat and using it correctly, we give our children the best possible protection on every journey.
If you have any questions or doubts — please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your child’s safety is our top priority!
Remember, a child’s safety in the car is not just a matter of legal compliance — it’s above all our parental responsibility.
By investing in a high-quality, regulation-compliant car seat and using it correctly, we give our children the best possible protection on every journey.
If you have any questions or doubts — please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your child’s safety is our top priority!