How to use Child Car Seat Safety in Japan

This article explains the rules for using child seats when driving in Japan.
Child seats are essential for protecting children’s lives and are an indispensable item for enjoyable drives with your little ones. However, many parents might understand that using a child seat is necessary, but still worry about questions like, “Until what age is it required?” or “What happens if we don’t follow the regulations?”

Until What Age is a Child Seat Necessary?

According to the law, child seats are mandatory for children under six years old (Article 71-3, Paragraph 3 of the Road Traffic Act). This means that when driving with children aged 0 to 5, you must use a child seat.

However, does this mean that children over six don’t need to use a child seat? The answer is no. This is because car seat belts are designed for adults and to be effective, a height of at least 140 cm is required.

Since 2008, wearing seat belts in the rear seats has also become mandatory. If a child who is shorter than 140 cm uses a car seat belt, it may not fit correctly. In the event of an accident, if the belt is improperly positioned, there is a higher risk of serious injury to the neck or internal organs due to the impact.

While the legal requirement applies to children under six years old, it is recommended that children continue to use a child seat until they reach a height of 140 cm, even if they are over six years old.

Driving Rules in Japan That You Won’t Learn at Driving School

It is natural that road conditions, social customs, and cultural characteristics differ from country to countr […]

ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Requirement?

Even if you drive with a child under six years old without using a child seat, there are no penalties. However, you will receive one demerit point for “Failure to Use a Child Restraint Device.” While there are no criminal penalties or fines, you should always use a child seat to protect your child’s life.

ISOFIX or a 3-Point Seatbelt for Installation?

If your car is equipped with ISOFIX fittings in the rear seats, it is safer to purchase a junior seat with an ISOFIX system, as you can secure the seat by simply plugging in the connectors on the child or junior seat. This reduces the risk of installation errors.

What Happens If You Don’t Use a Child Seat?

Even if a child seat is used, if it is not securely installed in the vehicle or if the child is not properly seated, the seat may fail to protect the child in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury or death. Always remember that the proper use of a child seat is crucial for protecting your child’s life. Ensure that you use and install the child seat correctly whenever driving with a child who is not yet big enough to safely use a seatbelt.

Exemptions from Using Child Seats

Child seats are installed in private vehicles to protect the lives of children.

Since the amendment of the Road Traffic Act in April 2000, the use of child seats has been mandatory for infants and young children under six years old.

So, what should you do when riding in a taxi with an infant or small child?

In fact, the requirement to use a child seat is waived in taxis.

The Road Traffic Act, which mandates the use of child seats, states that this rule does not apply “in cases where there are unavoidable reasons as prescribed by other ordinances.”

Furthermore, Article 26 of the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order specifies that exemptions apply when the seat structure does not allow for the installation of a child seat, when the child has an injury or disability that makes the use of a child seat inappropriate, or when a child cannot be properly cared for, such as during breastfeeding or diaper changing, while using a child seat.

Additionally, the law stipulates that the requirement is waived when infants are passengers in buses or taxis. However, when renting a car or using a car-sharing service, the exemption does not apply, and child seats must be used.

In Conclusion

This article has discussed the age at which children require child seats, the penalties for non-compliance, as well as the types of child seats and tips for choosing the right one.

When driving with children under six years old, be sure to use a child seat. The fatality rate in accidents can be approximately 4.2 times higher without a child seat compared to when one is used.

HOME

ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car provides rental car service for those who come to Japan on business for a long period of time, from one month to a maximum of two years…

ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car

Follow me!