Vietnam parents rush to buy child car seats ahead of 2026 safety mandate

The law states that cars carrying children must have an age and height appropriate safety seat or booster. 

Children under 10 and shorter than 1.35 meters will not be allowed to sit in the front seat. 

Drivers who violate the rule face fines of VND800,000 (US$30) to VND1 million ($38).

Retailers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi said demand has climbed sharply in recent weeks. 

Con Cung and other stores reported higher foot traffic and strong sales of seats priced between VND2 million ($76) and VND5 million ($190). 

Several popular models, including all in one seats for children up to 12 years old, now require advance orders due to shortages.

Many parents said they are buying early to avoid last minute supply bottlenecks. 

N. Minh, 65, in Ho Chi Minh City said he wanted his grandchildren to get used to the seat before the rule begins. 

Others said the mandate could help shift long standing habits among drivers.

European standard models certified under ECE R44/04 or i Size are among the most sought after. 

Some buyers worried that older cars lacked ISOFIX anchor points, but retailers said approved seats can be safely installed with standard seat belts.

Shops said monthly sales have risen well beyond their usual 10 to 20 units, though demand has not yet reached a true surge. 

They added that growing awareness of safety, not only concern about fines, is driving interest.

New law aims to cut child traffic fatalities

The National Traffic Safety Committee said proper use of child car seats can reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for children aged one to four. 

The agency said the requirement aims to protect children as private car ownership grows and more highways open across the country.

Some ride hailing and taxi drivers said they are unsure how to comply because they cannot carry multiple seats or store them between trips. 

The committee said the rule should first apply to private cars, with separate guidelines introduced later for commercial transport. 

It also recommended exempting transport companies while encouraging them to inform customers about available safety equipment.

Short term rentals of child seats are also increasing, with daily rates from VND150,000 ($5.7) to VND250,000 ($9.5). 

Families renting seats for travel or for trial use can request home delivery and installation guidance.