Mandatory use of child restraint devices in car for under 8-year-old to start on Nov 1

Children must sit in child safety seats or use other restraining devices when traveling in private cars starting November 1, the Transport Department said. 

This decision follows the Legislative Council's approval of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2024.

“Starting from November 1, 2025, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 meters, they must use child restraining devices in private cars, regardless of whether they are seated in the front or rear," the department said.

Also, passengers aged 8 and above or those with a body height of at least 1.35 meters must either use a restraining device or wear an adult seat belt.

The department noted that, besides conventional child safety seats, drivers may also choose other types of devices, such as seat belt adjusters, wearable safety restraint vests, or foldable boosters available on the market.

Drivers who violate this requirement may face a fixed penalty notice of HK$230, with serious cases potentially leading to court action and fines of up to HK$2,000. 

However, exemptions apply for drivers who reasonably believe that a child passenger aged 8 or older or at least 1.35 meters tall is not required to use a restraining device, as well as for those carrying a child passenger in an emergency.

“The new requirement aims to enhance protection for children and passenger safety. Child restraining devices provide effective protection for child passengers in traffic accidents and can substantially reduce the risks of being killed or seriously injured,” a department spokesman said. 

He urged parents and guardians to select appropriate devices that match their children's age and body size.

The department will collaborate with the police and the Road Safety Council to increase public awareness and education on road safety for private car drivers.

(Wallis Wang)