Equipping Child Safety Devices on School Shuttle Buses: New Regulations 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, new regulations on equipping child safety devices in motor vehicles will officially take effect. As child safety seats become a topic of growing public concern, not only parents but also businesses engaged in transporting students must quickly update and comply with the law. 

So, what should businesses prepare to ensure compliance? What qualifies as an appropriate safety device? And what are the legal consequences of non-compliance? This article clarifies the legal obligations for businesses, explains what constitutes a proper safety device, and highlights potential risks if the rules are ignored. 

1. Obligation to Equip Child Safety Devices

From January 1, 2026, under Clause 3, Article 10 of the 2024 Road Traffic Safety Law, drivers transporting children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters must: 

• Not allow the child to sit in the same row as the driver, except in vehicles with only one row of seats; 

• Use and instruct the use of appropriate child safety devices. 

The law and Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP do not restrict the type of vehicle. Therefore, all cars transporting children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters—including private cars, commercial transport vehicles, and company shuttle buses—must comply. If your business operates school transportation, you need to prepare suitable safety devices before the law takes effect. 

2. What Isan Appropriate ChildSafety Device? 

According to the 2024 Road Traffic Safety Law and Standard QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT, a child safety device is designed to ensure a child’s safety while seated or lying in a car, reducing injury risk during collisions or sudden deceleration by limiting body movement. These include: 

• Child Restraint System (CRS): A set of components including a seat, harness, safety lock, adjustment devices, and accessories such as cradles or impact shields, securely installed in the car. 

• Enhanced Child Restraint System (ECRS): Fully integrated ISOFIX seats or ISOFIX systems for special vehicles. 

General requirements under QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT include: the device must fit securely in the car, have no sharp edges or protrusions that damage clothing or seat covers, and its hard parts must not expose sharp edges that could wear down seat belts. Components should not be removable without specialized tools, and any detachable parts for maintenance must prevent incorrect installation or misuse. 

Thus, businesses are not required to use child seats exclusively; they may choose other suitable safety devices (e.g., child harnesses, booster cushions) as long as they meet technical and safety standards, are age-appropriate, and reduce injury risk per QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT. 

3. Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Under Point m, Clause 3, Article 6 of Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, starting January 1, 2026, drivers will face fines of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 if: 

• Transporting children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters in the same row as the driver (except vehicles with only one row of seats); or 

• Failing to use appropriate child safety devices. 

Therefore, businesses must equip and use suitable child safety devices on school shuttle buses to avoid administrative penalties from January 1, 2026. 

The new regulation on child safety devices in cars is not only a legal requirement but also a social responsibility for businesses to protect children’s safety. Preparing early and complying fully will help businesses avoid penalties while demonstrating a commitment to safety and service quality. With the law taking effect on January 1, 2026, businesses should proactively review contracts, invest in proper equipment, and train staff to ensure compliance. 

Date Written: 20/11/2025

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