The Complete Guide to Car Seats in Portugal: Laws, Rentals, Taxis & What Parents Actually Need to Know
Planning a family trip to Portugal and feeling overwhelmed by car seat requirements? You're not alone. Every week, I see parents in travel forums frantically asking the same questions: "Do I need to bring my car seat?" "What about taxis?" "Will I get fined?"
After extensive research (and a few stressful moments of my own), here's everything you actually need to know about car seat laws in Portugal – including some relief about taxis and ride-share companies (Uber, Bolt, etc) that might surprise you.
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The basic law: what Portugal actually requires
All children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm (whichever comes first) must use an appropriate car seat in Portugal. This is outlined in Article 55 of the Portuguese Highway Code.
Here's what this means in practical terms:
Children under 3: Must use a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat
Children 3-12 years (or until 135cm tall): Must use a booster seat or appropriate car seat*
Children over 135cm tall: Can use regular seat belts, regardless of age
Important: Breaking this law is considered a serious offense in Portugal, with fines ranging from €120 to €600 per child transported without proper restraints.
*Restraints that do not include a booster (something that is put under a child’s bottom) are not technically legal in Portugal. Those straps and vests I often see recommended do not fall under the booster category.
The game-changer: taxi and Uber rules
Here's where many parents get confused, and honestly, where I wish I'd known this earlier in my Portugal planning:
Taxis and ride-share services (including Uber and Bolt) are exempt from car seat requirements in Portugal.
Children must sit in the back seat, and those aged 3 or older must use the vehicle's seatbelt if no car seat is available. For children under 3, they may travel unrestrained in a taxi if a child restraint is not available.
This is a legal exemption, not a safety recommendation. Taxis and rideshares are not required to use or provide car seats, nor will they request families to bring one.
What this means for your trip:
Airport transfers via taxi: No car seat legally required
Getting around cities with Uber: No car seat legally required
Your 2-year-old can legally ride in a taxi without a car seat (though this is entirely up to your comfort and safety level decision)
Note: Some sources suggest that Uber has different policies, but according to Portuguese law, they fall under the same exemption as taxis for ride-share services. Here is the reference.
Rental cars: your options and real costs
If you're planning to rent a car, car seats become mandatory as those are private vehicles. Here are your realistic options:
Option 1: rent from the car rental company
Cost: Around €6-10 per day per car seat
Pros:
No airport hassle
Guaranteed to be installed when you arrive
Usually meets Portuguese safety standards
Cons:
Can be expensive for long trips (€70-140 for a 2-week vacation)
Quality varies between companies
Limited availability during peak season
Option 2: bring your own car seat
Cost: Airline fees (varies by airline, usually €0-50 each way)
Pros:
Your child is familiar with it
You know its safety history
Often cheaper for longer trips
Cons:
Airport logistics nightmare
Risk of damage during flights
May not meet EU safety standards (check for ECE R44/04 or i-Size approval)
Option 3: Rent from specialised services
Companies like Upababy or Letsgobaby offer car seat rentals in major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Cost: Varies, but often competitive with car rental companies
Pros:
Higher quality seats
Delivery to your accommodation possible
Better customer service
Cons:
Limited to major cities
Requires advance booking
Additional coordination needed
one way rentals more difficult
Option 4: Purchase a cheap booster and donate
For longer trips, if it often worth purchasing a cheaper booster from a local store (and have it delivered at your hotel). Check out Worten, Toys R Us and more. You can also purchase a travel booster that packs small from home. I have personally used the BubbleBum with my two children for years. We love it. The Mifold is great too. Both meet EU safety standards for children aged 4 and up.
Cost: €15-50 for a basic booster seat from Portuguese stores.
Pros:
One-time cost, especially good for longer trips
Can donate or discard at trip's end
Also available at supermarkets like Continente, Pingo Doce, or baby stores
Lightweight travel boosters can be packed for future trips
Cons:
May not be suitable for younger children (boosters typically 4+ years)
Private transfers and tour companies
Here's where it gets tricky. While taxis are exempt, private transfer companies and tour operators fall under regular vehicle rules. If you book a private transfer or join a tour that uses private vehicles, car seats are legally required. It the tour works as a taxi, then no car seat is legally required.
Questions to ask when booking:
"Do you provide car seats for children under 12? If yes, what type of car seat is it?"
"Are your vehicles classified as taxis or private vehicles?"
"What's your policy for families with young children?"
Real parent experiences: what actually happens
After talking to dozens of families who've traveled to Portugal, here's the reality:
Taxi/rideshare Experiences:
Most families report no issues using taxis without car seats
Some taxis in Lisbon and Porto do carry car boosters in their trunk (not required, just some drivers' choice)
Rental Car Experiences:
Car seats from rental companies are functional but basic
Some parents were surprised by the daily cost adding up
Installation is usually straightforward with rental company help
Safety Comfort Levels:
Some parents still brought car seats for taxis for their own peace of mind
Others appreciated the flexibility of the taxi exemption
Most found Portuguese drivers to be mindful around families
My practical recommendations
For families planning to use mostly taxis/Uber:
The legal exemption gives you flexibility
Consider your comfort level vs convenience
Remember that Portuguese cities are very walkable
For families renting cars:
Compare costs: rental vs bringing your own vs specialised rental services
Book car seats in advance during summer months
Confirm your home car seat has ECE approval if bringing it
For mixed transportation:
Consider bringing a lightweight travel car seat for flexibility
Research your specific routes and transportation needs
Don't stress about the "perfect" solution – Portuguese families navigate this daily too
The bottom line
Portugal's car seat laws are actually more flexible than many parents realise, especially regarding taxis and ride-shares. The key is understanding what applies to your specific transportation choices and planning accordingly.
The most important thing? Don't let car seat anxiety prevent you from visiting this incredible family-friendly destination. Whether you decide to bring seats, rent them, or rely on the taxi exemption, Portuguese families and tourists navigate these same decisions every day.
Remember: This information is based on current Portuguese law, but always verify with official sources and make decisions based on your own family's comfort level and safety standards.
Have questions about car seats in Portugal? Drop them in the comments below – I love helping families plan stress-free trips!
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available information about Portuguese law. Always consult official sources and make safety decisions based on your family's needs and comfort level.
