For European residents: Technically the current RideSafer vest has not been certified for use/sale in Europe. There used to be an EU version that came with a booster seat but the manufacturer did not certify more recent models.
From to the manufacturer: “ECE Standards (r44 and r129) do not address “Harnesses” as a stand-alone category. We have tested several of our previous generations of vests according to ECE r44 but cannot label them as such since revisions to Regulation 44 eliminated “Harness” as a stand-alone-type restraint and the current Regulation 129 also has no category of “harness” which is not integrated into a plastic shell. In order to test and certify under a specific regulation, we need a prescribed protocol that identifies the test methodologies and allowed force tolerances.”
For people traveling to Europe: This version of the vest cannot be sold in Europe but can be used (with or without the booster) in Europe as long as the stay in the country is not extended beyond 6-12 months (country dependent). See also… “What if I’m traveling internationally?” in the top FAQ section.
Is there an update on this? I’m going to Ireland in a few weeks and want to know what my options are.
Yes. I just updated the FAQ info to the most recent information offered by the manufacturer.
Do I need to use the booster seat with the harness in Europe? Doesn’t mention vest or vest with booster
If you are just traveling in Europe, you should be able to just use the vest without a booster.
I’m traveling to Europe for vacation. I have the ridesafer Gen 5 are we able to use it?
The Gen 5 version of the RideSafer vest cannot be sold in Europe but can be used in Europe as long as the stay in the country is not extended beyond 6-12 months (country dependent).
Do you know the specific rules for Portugal? I know in general you can use the vest as long as your stay is not longer than 6-12 months but that this varies by country. Can you use the vest when traveling to Portugal and if so, for how long?
I have not looked specifically into Portugal’s car seat law.
Hello! Is ridesafer legal to use in Brazil?
Thanks!
I could find the requirements for using car seats in Brazil but not what standards the restraints must meet.
Hello! We are traveling to Germany this summer. I heard the law is really strict when it comes to travel in a car with kids. Are we able to use the vest over there? If yes, would we need a booster seat as well?
I have no additional information specifically for Germany other than what is in this FAQ.
Hello, I will be traveling to France in October, for 3 weeks. Can I use the Ride Safer Travel Vest with my 4 yr old?
Generally speaking, you can use the RideSafer vest when traveling in Europe (France included), as long as the stay in the country is not extended beyond 6-12 months.
Hi Annie,
Any updates since last year? We’ll be going to Ireland to visit family in a few weeks. Many thanks!
No updates in terms of EU certification. As for visitors it remains OK to use the RideSafer for travels. We know someone who is traveling all over Europe and has only had one issue with a ride share driver who didn’t feel OK with it. They just requested another ride share.
Can I use this safe rider vest in Italy for 2 weeks??
It is our understanding that visitors to all countries that require sole compliance with ECE r44.04 and ECE
Regulation 129 can use the RideSafer Travel Vests as long as they are not legal residents of those
countries.
Any updates on use for Germany and Poland?
The manufacturer has not shared any additional information for specific countries in the EU.
I’m traveling to Switzerland and Paris in August, is there any updates that confirms we can use the safe rider vest? Thank you
The manufacturer has not shared any additional information for specific countries in the EU.
Has anyone been stopped in the EU with this and had to show proof that it was compliant? What proof can you use?
Not that has been reported back to us. The only issue we have heard in the last 11 years was a car rental place in Italy that refused to let the family leave until they rented car seats from them, saying they didn’t think the family’s RideSafer vests were safe. RideSafer vests are properly labeled as certified to FMVSS 213 (US standards).
I live in Europe. I want to use it only in other countries I am traveling ot. Is it going to be a problem?
I cannot answer if there will be a problem for an EU resident to be using the RideSafer in other EU countries. I would guess not, but I am not familiar enough with the laws and police practice to answer for sure.
Hi, I am a US citizen traveling with my 2 year old and husband to Portugal and Spain this December. Just wanted to clarify if there has been any change in guidance on using the RideSafer harness in those countries? We will be riding uber and cabs for the most part. We will be staying in those countries for 3-44 weeks. Any documentation needed on our end to use the harness? Thanks
No updates right now. Taxis are exempt from car seat laws in many countries. I don’t know about laws in Europe for ride shares. In most states in the US, they are not considered “car for hire” like a taxi so car seat laws do apply. There is a letter from the manufacturer you can download, which may be helpful. You can find a link in the “What if I’m traveling internationally?” in the top FAQ section.
We just got back from Portugal and had no issues at all. Most taxis were ok to take us without any restraints at all, most were confused when we put them on
Thank you for sharing Rob.