Dubai: How do you know if your child is using the right car seat? And when is it safe to switch from a rear-facing seat to a booster seat?
With new federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027, parents in the UAE should be familiar with the rules on child car seats, including age and height requirements, where seats must be installed and when exceptions apply.
A January 2026 survey commissioned by RoadSafetyUAE and Al Wathba Insurance, involving 1,010 UAE residents, found that 72 per cent of parents with children aged four and under owned a proper child restraint system, while 28 per cent did not. Research also shows that child restraints can reduce the risk of death in a road accident by up to 71 per cent and injuries by up to 82 per cent.
Here is a breakdown of the requirements and safety recommendations parents should know.
Child car seats mandatory for children aged four and under
Under Article 11 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, drivers must provide appropriate child safety seats for children aged four and under.
The seats must:
Be installed in the rear of the vehicle.
Be suitable for the child's weight and height.
Comply with safety standards applicable in the UAE.
