In short: R44 and R129 (i-Size) are UN regulations for approving child car seats. R44 groups seats by the child's weight (groups 0+ to 3), while R129 uses height in centimetres, requires a side-impact test and rear-facing travel at least until 15 months. New R44 seats can no longer be sold in the EU since 1 September 2024, but existing ones may still be used.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 28 September 2026
R44 vs R129 (i-Size): comparison
| UN ECE R44/04 (old) | UN R129 / i-Size (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | by weight: groups 0+ (up to 13 kg), 1 (9–18 kg), 2/3 (15–36 kg) | by child height in cm (e.g. 40–87, 40–105, 100–150 cm) and maximum weight |
| Rear-facing | forward-facing allowed from 9 kg | mandatory at least until 15 months, regardless of height |
| Side impact | not part of the test | side-impact test mandatory |
| Installation | vehicle belt or ISOFIX | i-Size seats with ISOFIX plus support leg or Top Tether; R129 also covers belted seats and high-back boosters |
| Sale in the EU | no longer sold new (since 1 Sept 2024) | the only standard for new seats |
| Use | still allowed | allowed |
The R44 sales ban: what actually applies
According to ADAC, new R44-approved seats have no longer been placed on the market since September 2023, and retailers were allowed to sell remaining stock for one more year, until 31 August 2024. Since 1 September 2024 only new UN R129 seats are sold in the EU. There is no ban on using R44 seats: an undamaged R44/03 or R44/04 seat can still be used. Be careful with second-hand seats – replace any seat that has been in a crash, and check the manufacturer's recommended lifespan for older models.
How to read the orange label on a car seat
- R129 / i-Size: "i-Size" logo (or "R129"), height range in cm (e.g. 40–105 cm), maximum child weight and an approval number starting with E plus the country number (e.g. E4 for the Netherlands), followed by "129R" and the series (e.g. 03).
- R44: "ECE R44/04" (or 44/03), group and weight (e.g. 9–18 kg), category universal, semi-universal or specific vehicle, and an approval number starting with "04".
- No orange label? Do not use the seat – without approval there is no guarantee it has been tested.
i-Size is the strictest part of R129: an i-Size seat fits any seating position marked i-Size in the car. For other R129 seats (e.g. belted), check the vehicle fitting list.
Child car seat laws across Europe
When you travel, the rules of the country you drive through apply. Most countries use a 150 cm limit, but some use a lower one:
| Country | Car seat required | Special rules |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | under 12 years and under 150 cm | – |
| Austria | under 14 years and under 135 cm | new seats must be R129 |
| Italy | under 150 cm | anti-abandonment device (dispositivo antiabbandono) mandatory for children under 4 in Italian-registered cars |
| France | under 10 years | under 10 usually in the back; exceptions e.g. rear-facing seat with airbag off; fine €135 |
| Croatia | under 150 cm | 135–150 cm only in the back with adult belt; fine €130 |
| Slovenia | under 140 cm or 36 kg | fine €120 |
| Czech Republic | up to 150 cm and 36 kg | – |
| Poland | under 150 cm | exception in the back for children over 135 cm |
| Romania | up to 135 cm | – |
Summary based on automobile clubs and official sources (see Sources). Rules can change – check current regulations before you travel.
In every country: never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active front airbag – deactivate the airbag or use the back seat.
Should I replace my R44 seat with an i-Size seat?
Not necessarily, if the seat is undamaged, suits your child's height and weight and is installed correctly. When buying new, you will be choosing among R129 seats anyway. Our guide How to choose a car seat, the ADAC car seat test results and Rear-facing car seat until age 4 will help. Browse all i-Size seats in car seats or by height: 40–87 cm, 40–105 cm, 100–150 cm.
Frequently asked questions
Is it still legal to use an R44 car seat?
Yes. Only the sale of new R44 seats is banned (in the EU since 1 September 2024); using approved R44/03 and R44/04 seats is still allowed.
What does i-Size mean?
i-Size is part of UN R129 for seats chosen by the child's height, with ISOFIX, that fit every i-Size seating position in the car.
How long must my child ride rear-facing?
With R129 seats at least until 15 months. It is recommended to stay rear-facing as long as possible, up to around 4 years (105 cm).
How do I know if my seat is R44 or R129?
Check the orange label: R129 shows height in cm and "129R" in the approval number; R44 shows the group, weight in kg and "R44/04".
Can a child in a car seat sit in the front?
It depends on the country (e.g. France and Croatia are stricter). A rear-facing seat is only allowed in front if the airbag is deactivated. The back seat is always the safest.
Sources
- ADAC – i-Size and UN ECE R44
- ÖAMTC – child restraint rules in Europe
- Croatian Ministry of the Interior – transporting children
- Italian Ministry of Transport – anti-abandonment devices
- Justice.fr – seat belts and car seats
This content is for information only and does not replace official regulations. Always follow the car seat and vehicle manufacturers' instructions.
