In Vietnam, drivers to be warned for failing to use safety seats for kids from mid-August

The regulation is part of Decree No. 238/2026, recently issued by the government to amend and supplement provisions of Decree No. 168/2024.

The new decree, which will take effect on August 15, governs administrative penalties for road traffic violations, as well as the demerit point system for driver’s licenses.

Under the new rules, drivers carrying children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters must ensure they are secured with an appropriate child restraint system.

Failure to do so will result in an official warning.

The requirement does not apply to passenger transport vehicles operating commercial services.

A child restraint system is a safety device designed to protect children while they are seated or lying down in a car.

It is intended to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision or sudden deceleration by limiting the movement of the child’s body.

Under the Vietnamese safety standard, a child restraint system is defined as including a child restraint system and an enhanced child restraint system, local media reported.

The decree also prohibits children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters from sitting in the front seat alongside the driver, except in vehicles equipped with only a single row of seats.

According to the Traffic Police Department, the measures represent a significant step toward improving child safety in road transport and aligning Vietnam’s traffic regulations with higher safety standards.

Mandatory in-vehicle camera installation for commercial transport vehicles

Decree No. 238 also introduces stricter regulations governing the installation, management, and data transmission of journey monitoring devices and onboard image-recording systems in commercial transport vehicles.

Beginning January 1, 2028, officers will enforce penalties for violations involving driver-facing camera systems installed in passenger transport vehicles with fewer than eight seats, freight transport vehicles excluding tractor units, and internal transport vehicles.

From January 1, 2029, enforcement will expand to include violations related to cameras monitoring passenger compartments.

Drivers and transport operators who fail to install the required equipment, operate vehicles with non-functioning devices, or manipulate recorded data will face substantial penalties.

Individuals operating vehicles without the mandatory journey monitoring or image-recording equipment may be fined VND5-6 million (US$190-230), while organizations owning such vehicles shall face fines ranging from VND10 million ($380) to VND12 million ($460).