Transport official lays down law on child safety in cars

Cheng Wong

The Transport Department is urging parents to ensure that any child-restraint device they purchase meets Chinese, US, EU and Australian standards.

Starting November 1, those under eight years old must sit in child safety seats or use other restraining devices when traveling in cars, unless they are 1.35 meters tall.

Chief engineer Eddy Wu Kin-kwok said that parents have options such as adjustable seatbelt devices, wearable safety vests and foldable booster seats, in addition to traditional child safety seats.However, these devices must comply with safety standards from the specified regions.

Wu said the 1.35-meter height requirement is based on international practices, ensuring children can plant their feet flat on the car floor and preventing seatbelt "necking."This height generally aligns with the average height of an eight-year-old in Hong Kong.

He also said drivers are responsible for using child-restraint devices, even when transporting friends' children, noting that simple, portable and affordable options are available.Non-compliance can lead to a fixed penalty of HK$230, with serious cases potentially resulting in fines of up to HK$2,000.

In emergencies, such as when a child is unwell and requires medical attention, not using a restraint device may be justified.

Regarding the new regulation, which does not cover public transport like taxis and minibuses, Wu said around half of child injury cases in accidents involve cars.

He said different age groups require different restraint devices, and mandating public transport to implement different systems could pose operational challenges, necessitating further feasibility studies.