Child restraint systems (CRS) are the most effective solution to protect children during car crashes and have long been mandatory in many countries. Yet in Vietnam, they will only become compulsory starting January 1, 2026 - 20 to 40 years after most of the developed world introduced such rules.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper use of safety devices - especially certified child car seats - can reduce the risk of death and serious injury in children by over 60%.

Globally, most developed countries already enforce child seat use with increasingly strict guidelines and heavy penalties.

Europe requires rear-facing seats for children under 15 months

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Europe requires children under 15 months to ride in rear-facing car seats. Photo: The Sun

The European Union and the UK were early adopters of standardized CRS regulations, notably the UN/ECE R44 and UN R129 (also known as i-Size). The i-Size standard, which is height-based and includes side-impact testing, is strongly encouraged.

A key element of the i-Size regulation is that children under 15 months must use rear-facing car seats, as this position significantly reduces head and neck injuries during collisions.

As reported by Mobility & Transport, the EU made CRS use mandatory in all member states from May 2006. Most countries require children under 1.35 meters or below 12 years old to use a CRS or booster seat. Fines for noncompliance range from 60 to 500 euros (approximately 65 to 545 USD), depending on the country.

Germany enforces strict standards: children under 12 years or shorter than 1.5 meters must use appropriate child seats, preferably in the back seat - the safest spot in a crash.

In the UK, children under 12 or under 1.35 meters must be in a CRS that fits their weight or height. Seats are divided into groups: rear-facing for infants, five-point harness seats, and booster seats. Violations can result in fines up to 500 pounds (around 630 USD).

In the US, repeated violations can lead to license suspension

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US laws require children aged 1–7 to use five-point harness seats. Photo: Carscoops

The US has been ahead of the curve since the 1970s. State-level regulations requiring CRS began in the early 1970s, with nearly all states enforcing them by 1985 - more than 40 years ahead of Vietnam.

While the US has no federal CRS law, each state enforces its own rules based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. Generally, children under 1 year or under 22 pounds must ride in rear-facing seats; ages 1–7 require front-facing seats with five-point harnesses; ages 8–12 transition to booster seats.

Penalties can be severe - up to 500 USD - and repeat offenders may lose their driver’s license.

Japan and South Korea require CRS for children under 6

Japan has mandated CRS use for children under 6 since 2000. According to the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims' Aid (NASVA), seat selection is based on the child's weight and developmental stage - Infant, Toddler, or Junior. Emphasis is also placed on proper harnessing, as improper use can negate the seat’s safety benefits.

Rather than large fines, Japan penalizes violators by deducting driver’s license points, which significantly increases compliance.

South Korea follows a similar policy, requiring CRS or booster seats for children under 6 since 2006. Violations incur fines of around 120,000 won (roughly 170 USD).

China enforces CRS use for children under 4, with higher penalties in major cities

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Children under 4 must ride in car seats in China; major cities impose stricter penalties. Photo: SCMP

Although China started promoting CRS awareness in 2013–2014, it wasn’t until 2021 that it amended its national road safety law to mandate CRS use for children under 4 years old.

However, regional enforcement varies. In major cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Guangzhou, fines can reach 500 yuan (about 70 USD) for letting children sit on adult laps or unsecured in regular seats.

Ride-hailing services in these cities are also required to enforce CRS laws. Parents must bring a CRS, and drivers are obligated to refuse service if none is provided.

Singapore enforces strict penalties, including prison time

Singapore mandates that children under 1.35 meters use certified CRS seats. Accepted certifications include European (R44, R129), American (FMVSS 213), or Australian (AS 1754) standards.

As reported by The Straits Times, Singapore imposes some of the region’s harshest penalties: up to 1,000 SGD (around 750 USD), three demerit points, and even up to three months in jail.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab must comply, with many drivers offering child seats or charging extra. Traditional taxis are exempt from this rule.

Thailand introduces new CRS law, allows flexibility

Thailand only enacted its CRS requirement in September 2022 - just three years ahead of Vietnam. The law mandates that children under 6 ride in safety seats. Those under 1.35 meters can use CRS or booster seats.

To ease financial burdens, Thailand allows simple booster cushions used with regular seat belts. Violators may be fined up to 2,000 baht (about 55 USD).

Experts warn that holding a child on your lap during a crash offers little to no protection. At just 30 km/h, a child weighing 30 kg can exert 150 kg of force during impact - far too much for any adult to restrain safely. At 60 km/h, the force doubles. Only a properly used child seat can reduce these risks.

Hoang Hiep