It’s less complicated than you think…
Today, cars are subject to many codes, parameters and approvals… but their accessories are also subject to more regulations. For example, something that is also ‘circulating’ around, but rather through social networks and various forums: the ‘new’ E label of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). You know what it means?
Whether you’ve grown up in a world where anything went to get from one place to another or you’re new to this one, where there are plenty of regulations and legal issues to master before you get behind the wheel or even go from passenger, the truth is that we are not surprised at all that confusion takes over you many times.
Which driving license is valid for which vehicle; where you can transit and with what sticker; which cities have already implemented the new Low Emissions Zones (ZBE); In which places have more restrictive speed limits entered and what are the sanctions you face in both cases…
But don’t panic, that’s what our Pilots section is for, to try to make everything a little clearer for you. On this occasion, the bad news is that in the case of accessories, the Highway Code must also be studied a little, as well as the regulations related to specific elements that have to do with them, with their approval, their installation…
…And everything that has to do with its correct use. The good news is that it is not so difficult to get familiar with it. For example: in the case of child seats (technically defined as Child Restraint Systems -CRS-), there are also many who demand quick and specific information about the groups for which they are valid (0, 0+, I , II and III) according to the wingspan, height and age.
Here where, you have to pay special attention to the rules. For the safety of minors -in the first place- and, of course, to avoid fines resulting from ignorance. And this is where the ‘new’ E label of the DGT is: do not look for it on the windshield, in the lower right part, like the rest of the ecological labels on a car, because it has nothing to do with this.
In this case, what you have to find is an orange label with black letters detailing that it is approved to accommodate a minor, for what kind of vehicle, the place where it has been approved (continent and country), the serial number… But why is it called ‘new’?
This is mainly due to the fact that this label, called ECE-R44/04 (on the left of the main image) is going to be gradually replaced by the I-Size (on the right of the same photo), which to make things a little easier little more, it includes the height and weight for which that child car seat is indicated.
