National Assembly delegates propose exemption from child seat regulations for taxis

On the afternoon of November 17, at the National Assembly discussion session, Delegate Ha Sy Dong ( Quang Tri ) proposed considering eliminating the mandatory application of child seats for taxis and ride-hailing services.

Regarding the Law on Road Traffic Safety, the regulation requiring cars to have appropriate safety equipment for children will take effect from January 1, 2026, which is just over a month away. If violated, drivers will be fined from VND800,000 to VND1 million.

National Assembly Delegate Ha Sy Dong (Quang Tri) proposed exemption from child seat regulations.

Mr. Dong admitted that this regulation brings social benefits and has been applied by many developed countries. However, he pointed out a big difference when in Vietnam, the rate of motorbike use is very high, while in those countries, it is almost non-existent.

Delegate Ha Sy Dong analyzed that if the child seat regulation is rigidly applied, it could force many families to transport their children by motorbike instead of by car or taxi, when the risk of accidents for children is even higher. He cited this as having happened in Indonesia or the Philippines, where when the mandatory child seat regulation was issued, the rate of parents transporting their children by motorbike increased from 15-30%.

Furthermore, it is almost impossible to equip a car with a seat. According to the regulation 123/2024 of the Ministry of Transport , child seats come in 4 to 5 different sizes depending on the child's weight.

Mr. Dong raised the question: "If taxis are required to be equipped with child seats, each taxi must have at least four seats of different sizes. This is completely impossible."

Mr. Dong raised the issue: "If taxis are required to be equipped with child seats, each taxi must have at least 4 seats of different sizes. This is completely impossible." He also pointed out the inconvenience for tourists when they have to bring child seats on the plane and travel during the trip, or a taxi company cannot meet the needs if the family has 2 or more children.

Quang Tri delegates also expressed concern about the financial burden that will fall on poor families or young parents who do not own a car. When they need to call a taxi to take their children for vaccinations, to see a doctor when they are sick, or to go when it is cold and rainy, calling a taxi will be more difficult.

The limited number of taxis equipped with child seats means longer waiting times and longer empty journeys, resulting in higher fares. These costs are ultimately borne by young and poor families.

Mr. Dong suggested that the National Assembly consider the experience of many other countries that have exclusions for taxis and technology-based ride-hailing services.

From the above analysis, Mr. Dong suggested that the National Assembly consider the experience of many other countries that have exclusions for taxis and technology-based ride-hailing services. He also added that the accident rate of taxis is inherently lower than that of private cars because taxi drivers are professional drivers.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/dai-bieu-quoc-hoi-de-nghi-mien-quy-dinh-ghe-tre-em-cho-xe-taxi-post2149069718.html