- HONG KONG
New Hong Kong Child Car Seat Rules Coming November 2025
All You Need To Know To Prepare Yourself
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.
This change will require many Hong Kong families to invest in child car seats or booster seats if they haven’t already. Drivers, including parents, grandparents, and caregivers, must be aware of these requirements to avoid legal consequences. Simply using a seatbelt for children in this age/height group will no longer be sufficient.
These regulations align Hong Kong with international child passenger safety standards, aiming to reduce injury risks in traffic accidents. Public education campaigns are expected as the implementation date nears. However, it remains unclear whether taxis, Uber vehicles, and buses will be required to provide child restraining devices.
Read on for all you need to know about the new rules and where to get Hong Kong-approved child restraining devices. For more information click here.
Click here to get ready for the change and explore a range of child car seat options at Jakewell!
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Key Changes To The Child Car Seat Regulations In Hong Kong
Get Ready For The Change- 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.
- Front and Rear Seats: These requirements apply to both the front and rear seats of private cars.
- 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.
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What Are Child Restraining Devices?
Different To SeatbeltsChild 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 ChildYou 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
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Combination and Convertible Seats: These versatile options can adapt as a child grows:
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3-in-1 seats: Can be used as rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats
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Convertible seats: Change from rear-facing to forward-facing as the child grows
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Combination seats: Start as forward-facing seats with harnesses and convert to booster seats
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For our guide to where to get the best car seats in Hong Kong, head here.
- 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:
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Type Of Child Restraining Device: Booster Seats
Like A Car Seat, But For Older KidsBooster 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.
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Type Of Child Restraining Device: RideSafer Travel Vest
Safe & Practical Solution For When You're On The GoThe 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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