Child passengers in private cars must use Child Restraining Device from November 1 and offending drivers may be fined (with photo)
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From November 1, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 metres, they must use a CRD in private cars irrespective of sitting in the front or rear seats. Passengers aged 8 or above, or with a body height of at least 1.35m must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. The Police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of $230 to offending drivers. Serious cases may be referred to the court, which can impose a maximum fine of $2,000.
When choosing a CRD, members of the public should accord top priority to the height and/or weight range for which the product is suitable. They should also look for any markings indicating compliance with recognised national or international standards and follow the installation guidelines. For enquiries, they should consult the manufacturer or retailer on the product standards to ensure compliance with the requirements specified in the legislation. Apart from child safety seats, portable CRDs such as seat belt adjusters, wearable safety restraint vests and foldable boosters can also be used. Yet, as they do not have protective pads and seat backs on both sides, their protection capabilities in side-impact collisions are generally not as good as those of child safety seats.
The Government has stepped up publicity and public education since February. The Transport Department (TD) has strengthened collaboration with the Police, the Education Bureau, the Information Services Department, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Road Safety Council and the Consumer Council to introduce the legal requirements through websites, infographics, videos, media, social media, parent information websites, the "e-Bulletin for Parents" and publicity posters on traffic signal controllers across various districts. In addition, the TD further reminded parents to purchase CRDs for early preparations as soon as possible after Easter holidays, during the Children Products Expo in the summer vacation and prior to the first school day.
Members of the public may refer to the TD's designated webpage on CRDs (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/crd), infographics on the Agent T Facebook page and the relevant article in the Consumer Council's CHOICE Magazine for the legal requirements and selection tips, or call the TD's hotline 2804 2600 for enquiries.
Ends/Friday, October 24, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:00
Issued at HKT 10:00
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