Mandatory Use of Child Safety Seats in Cars for Children Under 10 from January 1, 2026

On December 26, 2024, the Government issued Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP on administrative penalties for violations of road traffic order and safety; deduction and restoration of driving licence points. The Decree took effect on January 1, 2025.

Notably, from January 1, 2026, penalties for failing to use appropriate child restraint systems for children under 10 years of age in cars officially take effect. Specifically, Point m, Clause 3, Article 6 provides as follows:

Article 6. Penalties and deduction of driving licence points for drivers of cars, four-wheeled motor vehicles designed to carry passengers, four-wheeled motor vehicles designed to carry goods, and other vehicles similar to cars that violate road traffic rules

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3. A fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 shall be imposed on drivers who commit any of the following violations:

a) Driving at a speed exceeding the prescribed speed limit by 5 km/h to less than 10 km/h;

b) Honking the horn or revving the engine continuously; using an air horn; or using high-beam headlights when approaching pedestrians crossing the road, when driving on a road through a populated area where the lighting system is operating, when approaching oncoming vehicles (except where the road divider is designed to prevent glare), or when turning at an intersection, except for priority vehicles performing official duties in accordance with regulations;

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k) Failing to wear a seat belt while driving on the road;

l) Carrying passengers in a car without their seat belts fastened (at seating positions equipped with seat belts) while the vehicle is in motion;

m) Carrying a child under 10 years of age and less than 1.35 metres tall in a car seated in the same row of seats as the driver (except in cars with only one row of seats), or failing to use an appropriate child restraint system as prescribed;

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In addition, Clause 3, Article 10 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety No. 36/2024/QH15 provides as follows:

Article 10. General rules

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3. When carrying a child under 10 years of age and less than 1.35 metres tall in a car, the child must not be seated in the same row of seats as the driver, except in cars with only one row of seats. The driver must use an appropriate child restraint system and instruct the child on how to use it.

This provision also takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Figure 1: Child seat in a car (Photo: Internet)

Accordingly, from January 1, 2026, the use of child restraint systems for children under 10 years of age and less than 1.35 m tall travelling in cars is mandatory. Drivers who violate these regulations face fines ranging from VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000.

Readers may also refer to QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT, the National Technical Regulation on Child Restraint Systems Used in Motor Vehicles.