Learn the latest Vietnam child car seat fine rules, penalty amounts, and when they take effect. Stay compliant and protect your kids – read now!
Parents and drivers across Vietnam have been asking whether they can still be fined for transporting children without a proper car seat before the new enforcement date of August 15, 2026. The answer involves a short transition period, updated decrees, and clear penalty guidelines.
Enforcement Window: July 1 – August 14, 2026
From July 1 until the night before the new rules take effect (August 14), the Traffic Police Department (Cục CSGT) continues to apply the existing fine range of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 for drivers who carry children under 10 years old and under 1.35 m tall without an approved child‑seat device.
Legal Background
The provision originates from Article 6, Point m, Clause 3 of Decree 168/2024, which was originally slated to be enforced from January 1, 2026. However, an amendment in Clause 3, Article 7 of the 2025 amendment to the Road Traffic Safety Law shifted the effective date to July 1, 2026. Consequently, the fine regime did not become active until the start of July.
New Decree 238/2026 – Effective August 15, 2026
On June 26, the government issued Decree 238/2026, amending Decree 168/2024. This decree officially takes effect on August 15, 2026 and introduces a two‑step penalty system:
- Warning (cảnh cáo): First‑time offenders who transport children under the specified age and height without a proper seat (excluding passenger‑transport businesses) will receive a formal warning.
- Fine: If the child sits in the same row as the driver (except in single‑row vehicles), the driver will be fined VND 800,000–1,000,000.
The decree is grounded in Road Traffic Safety Law No. 36/2024/QH15, as amended by Law No. 118/2025/QH15.
What Drivers Should Do Now
While the warning phase runs from July 1 to August 14, it is wise to comply with the upcoming standards:
- Install an approved child‑seat that meets QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT specifications.
- Ensure the seat is suitable for the child’s height and weight.
- Position the seat in the rear seat whenever possible; if the vehicle has only a front row, use a seat that is compatible with that position.
Public Awareness and Enforcement
The Traffic Police Department is intensifying outreach campaigns to educate all road users about the new requirements. Officers will also increase patrols, focusing on violations that are major contributors to traffic accidents.
In parallel, the department urges parents to purchase only certified safety products that carry the official conformity mark, guaranteeing they meet national standards.
Bottom Line
From July 1 to August 14, 2026, the old fine of VND 800,000–1,000,000 remains in force. Starting August 15, the first offense will result in a warning, with fines applying only to specific seating arrangements. To avoid penalties and, more importantly, to keep children safe, drivers should install a compliant child‑seat right away.