Children travelling in private cars will be required to use a Child Restraining Device (CRD), such as a child safety seat, from November 1. Drivers breaching the requirement may be issued with a $230 fixed penalty.

Under the new rule, children under 8 must use CRDs while travelling in private cars irrespective of whether they are sitting in the front or rear seats, unless they are 1.35 metres or taller. 

Passengers aged 8 or above, or who are at least 1.35m in height, must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. 

The Transport Department said the new requirement is intended to enhance the protection of children and passenger safety. It outlined that CRDs provide effective protection for children in traffic accidents, substantially reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury.

In addition to conventional types of child safety seats, the department highlighted that other types of portable CRDs – such as seat belt adjusters, wearable safety restraint vests, and foldable boosters – are available on the market.

In addition to the fixed penalty notices, Police may refer serious cases to court, and a maximum fine of $2,000 may be imposed.

To allow for exceptional circumstances, two statutory defences have been outlined under the amended regulations. Firstly, a private car driver may have reasonable grounds to believe that a passenger has reached 8 years of age or a body height of 1.35m; and secondly, a driver transporting a child in an emergency may not have had time to arrange for the use of a CRD. 

Call 2804 2600 for details.