New Hong Kong Child Car Seat Rules Coming November 2025

Key Changes To The Child Car Seat Regulations In Hong Kong

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.

• 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?

• 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

Type Of Child Restraining Device: Car Seats

• 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

• 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

• 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