Using a baby and child car seat in Tenerife: what you need to know (car hire, taxis and Uber)

Travelling with the family to Tenerife very often raises the same question among foreign visitors: “Do I need a car seat for my child? And is it compulsory in taxis or with Uber?” Here is a clear and up-to-date guide to Spanish regulations (which apply in full to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife), along with any local specifics.
Spanish law: the 135 cm rule
In Spain, the regulations (General Traffic Regulations, Article 117) are based on height, not age:

Any child measuring 135 cm or less must travel in an approved child restraint system (SRI) suitable for their height and weight.
As a general rule, the seat must be placed in the back of the vehicle.
The DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) strongly recommends continuing to use a child seat or booster seat up to a height of 150 cm, even though this is no longer compulsory.

Approval
Since September 2024, only child seats complying with the R129 (i-Size) standard may be sold new in Europe. Older R44/04 car seats remain authorised for use provided they are still in good condition.
Under the i-Size standard, the car seat must be fitted rear-facing until the child is at least 15 months old.

By hire car
The regulations apply in full. Car hire companies often offer car seats as an optional extra, but:

Availability is not guaranteed, particularly during peak season.
The quality and type of seat (group, orientation, approval) vary.
It is strongly recommended that you book in advance a seat suitable for your child’s height and weight.

Many families prefer to hire a high-quality seat from a local specialist (such as Baby Travel Rental) for greater peace of mind and well-maintained equipment.

By taxi in Tenerife
Taxis are subject to a partial exemption:

In urban traffic (within towns or urban areas), a taxi may carry a child 135 cm or shorter without a car seat, provided they are seated in the back.
On motorways, expressways or inter-city roads (notably the TF-1 and TF-5 linking the airports), this exemption does not apply: a car seat is compulsory.

Practical implications:

Taxis queuing at the airport (Tenerife South TFS or Tenerife North TFN) almost never have car seats as standard.
Journeys from the airport to a hotel or resort take the motorway, so a child car seat is therefore compulsory.
It is recommended that you book a family transfer in advance, equipped with suitable child car seats.

Uber 
 Does not benefit from the exemption applicable to taxis. The full rules for private hire vehicles apply: a child car seat is compulsory for any child ≤ 135 cm, regardless of the journey.