The Traffic Police Department clarifies regulations regarding the use of child safety equipment.

According to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP regulating administrative penalties for violations of traffic order and safety in the field of road transport; and the deduction and restoration of points on driver's licenses, from January 1, 2026, private cars must have safety equipment when transporting children. Article 6 of this Decree stipulates a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 for drivers transporting children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters tall in a car sitting in the same row as the driver (except for cars with only one row of seats), or failing to use appropriate safety equipment for children as prescribed.

With just over a month left before the regulation takes effect, the information has attracted a great deal of public attention since its publication. However, many people are still wondering what constitutes child safety equipment and what the standards are.

A representative from the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security) stated that people can use child seat belts, child seats, or child cushions in cars that are suitable for the child, the family, and the conditions of use in the car. These devices all have a similar effect to other safety devices in preventing accidents.

"The regulation requiring children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters tall to use appropriate safety equipment in cars is to ensure the health and lives of the drivers' children and their parents. Therefore, this is absolutely necessary, and the relevant authorities have been studying this beforehand," a representative from the Traffic Police Department shared.

Regarding the implementation of the aforementioned regulation, a representative from the Traffic Police Department stated that the recommendation and encouragement for people to use child car seats is not a new initiative, but has been in place for many years, and many drivers have already purchased and used them for their children. To comply with international traffic laws that Vietnam has ratified, such as the Vienna Convention and the United Nations' recommendations on road safety, Vietnam has legalized the above regulation to protect children and vulnerable groups, as they cannot protect themselves and need the help of parents and adults. When parents fail to protect their children, the law becomes necessary.

According to a representative from the Traffic Police Department, authorities have set a timeline for implementing penalties until January 1, 2026. Furthermore, regulations and standards regarding child safety seats are already in place according to the National Technical Standard QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT.

Explaining why children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters tall must use child car seats and other safety equipment, a representative from the Traffic Police Department stated that for children under 1.35 meters tall, using the car's built-in seat belts will not guarantee safety in the event of a collision. At that height, the seat belts only extend to the head and neck, which is unsuitable and does not ensure the child's safety. Regarding age, children over 10 years old are more receptive and obedient to their parents and adults. Children under 10, however, are still playful and require adult supervision.

Numerous studies based on international standards have been conducted, and then the authorities apply them to the law, which is very practical. "Many people think that holding a child close is safe, but that's not the case. In a collision, the child could be thrown out, causing injury. Or, if the driver brakes suddenly, the child could be thrown forward, posing a danger," said a representative from the Traffic Police Department.

According to this person, children are unable to protect themselves. Therefore, children desperately need responsible adults and laws to protect them – a vulnerable group. Citizens need to comply with and obey traffic laws.

Section 1.3.1, subsection 1.3, Section 1 of the Vietnamese National Technical Regulation QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT explains: Child safety devices are devices capable of ensuring the safety of children in sitting or lying positions in a car, designed to reduce the risk of injury to users in the event of a collision or sudden deceleration of the car by restricting the movement of the child's body.

Child safety equipment includes: Child Seat Systems (CRS), which are a combination of components including seats, harnesses, safety buckles, adjustment devices, and other accessories such as bassinets and bumpers; capable of being securely installed in a car. Advanced Child Seat Systems (ECRS), including the full ISOFIX integrated child seat system and the ISOFIX integrated child seat system "for special vehicles".

Sub-section 2.1, Section 2 of the Vietnamese National Technical Regulation QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT stipulates the following general requirements for child safety equipment: Child safety equipment must be suitable for installation in automobiles. It must not have sharp edges or protrusions that could damage the clothing of occupants or the seat covers. The rigid parts of the child safety equipment must not have sharp edges that could wear down the seat belts at contact points. Parts of the child safety equipment must not be removable, or cannot be removed without the use of specialized tools. Any component designed for removal for maintenance or adjustment must ensure that the risk of incorrect installation and misuse is avoided.