What Does the Traffic Police Department Say About the Regulation Requiring Child Seats for Children Under 10 in Cars?

On November 18th, the Traffic Police Department (CSGT) of the Ministry of Public Security announced penalties for administrative violations regarding the non-compliance with regulations effective from January 1, 2026. Private cars must be equipped with safety devices when transporting children.

A representative from the CSGT Department emphasized that ensuring public safety is their top priority. The use of safety devices for children in vehicles is as crucial as wearing helmets for motorcyclists.

According to the CSGT Department, parents can use child safety belts, child seats, or car seat cushions suitable for the child’s condition, family circumstances, and vehicle compatibility. These devices are essential for preventing injuries in case of accidents.

“First and foremost, the regulation mandating safety devices for children under 10 and under 1.35 meters tall in vehicles aims to protect the health and lives of drivers’ and parents’ children. This measure is absolutely necessary, and authorities have been researching it for some time,” stated the CSGT representative.

Regarding the implementation timeline, the CSGT representative noted that encouraging the use of child seats in cars is not a new initiative but has been promoted for many years, with many drivers already purchasing and using them for their children.

“To align with international traffic laws, such as the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which Vietnam has joined, and the United Nations’ recommendations on road safety, Vietnam has legalized these regulations to protect children and vulnerable road users. Children cannot protect themselves and rely on their parents or adults. When parents fail to protect their children, the law must step in,” the CSGT representative explained.

The CSGT representative also mentioned that authorities have set a timeline to start imposing penalties from January 1, 2026. Additionally, the technical standards for child safety seats are outlined in the National Technical Regulation QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT.

According to the CSGT representative, the law prohibits children under 10 and under 1.35 meters tall from sitting in the front seat and mandates the use of safety devices for the following reasons:

First, for children under 1.35 meters, standard seat belts do not provide adequate protection during collisions. The belts often reach the child’s neck or head, which is unsafe.

Second, children over 10 are more likely to follow instructions from parents or adults. Younger children, however, tend to be more restless and require constant supervision.

Third, numerous international studies have shown that holding a child on your lap is not safe. In the event of a collision or sudden braking, the child can be thrown forward, causing severe injuries.

“Lessons from helmet laws, seatbelt regulations, and measures against drunk driving have been significant. Children, being unable to protect themselves, are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, responsible adults and legal measures are essential to safeguard children. The public must comply with traffic laws,” the CSGT representative stressed.

Section 1.3.1, Subsection 1.3, Chapter 1 of the QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT Technical Regulation defines child safety devices as equipment designed to secure children in a seated or lying position in a car, reducing the risk of injury during collisions or sudden deceleration by restricting body movement.