Family Life

UPDATED: New Hong Kong Child Car Seat Rules Coming November 2025

All You Need To Know To Prepare Yourself

New Hong Kong Child Car Seat Rules Coming November 2025

Hong Kong will implement stricter child car seat and seatbelt regulations starting November 1, 2025, as per the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2024. The new rules require appropriate restraining devices for children under 8 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters in private cars. However, taxis and public transport (e.g., buses) will not be affected by these requirements. Uber vehicles, on the other hand, will be subject to the rules.

Summary of Key Changes:

  • Start Date: November 1, 2025.
  • Who is affected:
    • Private cars (including Uber vehicles): Must use child car seats/booster seats for children under 8 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters.
    • Exemptions: Taxis and public transport (e.g., buses) are not required to provide child restraining devices.
  • Non-compliance: Drivers will face penalties if child passengers do not use proper safety equipment.
  • Safety goal: Align with international standards and reduce traffic-related injuries.
  • Families must purchase child car seats or booster seats by the deadline.

Uber’s New Car Seat Trip Options

To comply with the new regulations, Uber Hong Kong is launching two new Car Seat trip options:

  • Car Seat (1–7yo)
  • Car Seat (4–7yo)

These new options will allow driver-partners to continue providing rides for families with young children under the new regulations. Uber is also offering discounted child car seats to help driver-partners prepare for these trips.

For more details on child safety seat options and Uber-specific requirements, click here.

Click here to get ready for the change and explore a range of child car seat options at Jakewell!

  • Key Changes To The Child Car Seat Regulations In Hong Kong

    Get Ready For The Change
    1. Child Restraint Devices: The new regulation mandates the use of child restraining devices for passengers under 8 years of age and less than 1.35 meters in height.
    2. Front and Rear Seats: These requirements apply to both the front and rear seats of private cars.
    3. Driver Responsibility: Drivers will be held responsible for ensuring child passengers are properly secured in appropriate restraining devices.
    Specific Requirements
    • Age and Height: The regulation specifically targets children under 8 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters.
    • Suitable Devices: Child restraining devices must be suitable for the passenger’s age or weight and conform to approved safety standards.
    • Front Seat Usage: Children meeting the age and height criteria must use appropriate restraining devices even in the front passenger seat.
  • What Are Child Restraining Devices?

    Different To Seatbelts
    Child restraining devices are specialized safety equipment designed specifically for children. They are distinct from regular adult seatbelts and come in various types to accommodate children of different ages, sizes, and developmental stages.
    Key Child Restraining Devices
    • Five-point harness systems
    • Adjustable headrests and side impact protection
    • Tether straps to secure the seat to the vehicle
    • ISOFIX or LATCH connectors for easier installation
    It’s important to note that child restraining devices must meet specific safety standards and should be appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and height.
  • Type Of Child Restraining Device: Car Seats

    Check You Are Using The Right Type Of Seat For Your Child
    You can choose from several car seats depending on your child's age, height, and weight.
    • Rear-facing Car Seats: These are designed for infants and young toddlers. They face the rear of the vehicle and provide crucial support for a baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. Key features include:
      • Suitable for children up to 12-15 months old or weighing up to 13kg (29lbs)
      • Some “extended rear-facing seats” can be used until children are 2-3 years old
    • Forward-facing Car Seats: As children grow, they transition to forward-facing seats.
      • Typically used for children from 9 months to 4 years old (or 9-18kg)
      • Feature a built-in harness system to secure the child
      • Some “extended harnessed seats” can fit children until they’re 7-8 years old
    • Combination and Convertible Seats: These versatile options can adapt as a child grows:
      • 3-in-1 seats: Can be used as rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats
      • Convertible seats: Change from rear-facing to forward-facing as the child grows
      • Combination seats: Start as forward-facing seats with harnesses and convert to booster seats

    For our guide to where to get the best car seats in Hong Kong, head here.

  • Type Of Child Restraining Device: Booster Seats

    Like A Car Seat, But For Older Kids
    Booster seats are the next stage, designed to elevate children so that adult seatbelts fit them properly. There are two main types:
    • High-back booster seats: Provide head and neck support, ideal for vehicles without headrests
    • Backless booster seats: Suitable for vehicles with headrests, these simply raise the child’s sitting position

    Booster seats are typically used for children aged 4-12 years or weighing 15-36kg. Check out our guide here for where to get your booster car seats in Hong Kong.

  • Type Of Child Restraining Device: RideSafer Travel Vest

    Safe & Practical Solution For When You're On The Go
    The RideSafer Travel Vest is an innovative alternative to traditional car seats and boosters. It’s a wearable device designed for children aged 3 and up, weighing between 30 and 80 pounds (13.6 to 36.3 kg). Key features include:
    • Lightweight and compact design, ideal for travel and urban use
    • Brings the vehicle’s seatbelt down to the child’s level
    • Built-in seatbelt guides for proper positioning
    • Meets FMVSS 213 safety standards in the US
    • Available in different sizes to accommodate growing children
    While convenient in certain situations, rear-facing car seats are still considered the safest option for young children, especially those under five years old. In Hong Kong, thee Ridesafer travel vest is available through Baby Central.

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