No More Fines for Skipping Child Car Seats in Vietnam Starting Aug 15

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Effective Aug 15, Vietnam will only issue warnings—not fines—for drivers who fail to equip children under 10 or under 1.35 m with a proper car seat. Learn the new rules now!

From 15 August 2024, Vietnam’s traffic authorities will no longer levy a monetary fine on drivers who transport children under 10 years old—or under 1.35 m in height—without a proper child car seat. Instead, the infraction will be treated as a formal warning.

What the Change Means for Drivers

Until 14 August, the Decree 168/2024 required a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 (approximately US$34‑$43) for each violation. Starting 15 August, the new Decree 238/2026 reduces the penalty to a written warning, eliminating the cash component.

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Previous Penalties (1 July – 14 August)

  • Applicable to cars carrying children under 10 years or under 1.35 m tall.
  • Failure to install an approved child safety seat resulted in a fine of VND 800,000‑1,000,000.
  • Points could also be deducted from the driver’s licence under the earlier decree.

New Penalty – Warning Only (Effective 15 August)

  • The offence is now classified as a “warning” under the Administrative Violation Law of 2012.
  • Warnings are issued in writing and are recorded but carry no financial cost.
  • The change applies to all drivers nationwide, regardless of vehicle type.

Legal Background

The adjustment stems from Article 2, Clause 1 of Decree 238/2026, which amends Decree 168/2024. The new decree officially came into force on 15 August, aligning Vietnam’s traffic‑safety regime with a more educational approach for minor infractions.

According to Article 12 of the 2012 Law on Administrative Violations, a warning is used for non‑serious breaches, especially when mitigating circumstances exist or when the offender is a minor aged 14‑15 years.

What Parents and Guardians Should Do

Even though the financial fine is gone, the safety rationale remains unchanged. Experts continue to urge drivers to install age‑ and size‑appropriate car seats because:

  • Proper seats dramatically reduce the risk of injury in a crash.
  • Many insurance policies still require proof of child‑safety equipment for coverage.
  • Future revisions could reinstate monetary penalties if compliance stays low.

For now, keep your child secured, stay informed about local traffic regulations, and drive responsibly.