UAE child car seat rules 2027: Age, height requirements and safety guidelines for parents

Parents in the UAE should understand the latest child car seat regulations before the new federal traffic rules come into effect on January 1, 2027. The updated requirements explain which children must use car seats, when they can sit in the front passenger seat and what safety precautions families should follow.

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. However, 28 per cent did not.

Using an appropriate child restraint system can reduce the risk of death in a road accident by up to 71 per cent and the risk of injury by up to 82 per cent.
Here is what parents need to know about the UAE's child car seat regulations and road safety recommendations.

Child Car Seats Mandatory for Children Aged Four and Under

Under Article 11 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, drivers must provide suitable child safety seats for children aged four and under.

The regulations require child car seats to:

Be installed in the rear of the vehicle.
Match the child's height and weight.
Meet the safety standards applicable in the UAE.

Parents should always check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the seat is appropriate for their child's size and development.

When Can a Child Car Seat Be Installed in the Front?

The regulations allow two exceptions to the general requirement that child safety seats must be installed in the rear of the vehicle.

1. Children with Certain Medical Conditions

Children who have medical conditions that prevent them from using a child safety seat may be exempt from the requirement. However, parents must provide a medical certificate approved by the relevant UAE medical authority.

The child must also be accompanied by another person in the rear seat.

2. Vehicles Without Rear Seats

If a vehicle does not have rear seats, parents may install a child safety seat in the front, provided that:

The child safety seat is rear-facing.

The front passenger airbag is deactivated.

When Can Children Sit in the Front Passenger Seat in the UAE?

Under the new federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027, children can sit in the front passenger seat if they meet either of these conditions:
They are older than 10 years.

They are at least 145cm tall.

Children do not need to meet both requirements. For example, a nine-year-old child who is at least 145cm tall may be permitted to sit in the front passenger seat.

Which Child Car Seat Should Parents Choose?

Choosing the right car seat depends on a child's age, height and weight. Parents should also follow the manufacturer's recommendations and the seat's approved limits.

Here are some general child passenger safety guidelines:

Rear-Facing Child Seats

Rear-facing seats provide support for a child's head, neck and spine. Children under four should travel in appropriate rear-facing child safety seats, subject to the manufacturer's height and weight limits.

Parents should avoid switching to a forward-facing seat too early.

Forward-Facing Child Seats

Children can move to a suitable forward-facing seat when they meet the manufacturer's age, height and weight requirements. Some forward-facing seats are designed for children weighing between 9kg and 18kg.

Booster Seats

Children aged five to 10 may need booster seats to ensure the vehicle's seat belt fits properly. The belt should sit across the upper thighs and shoulder rather than pressing against the stomach or running across the neck.

Parents should check the seat belt fit before moving a child from a booster seat to a regular vehicle seat belt.

Check Car Seat Anchor Points

Child safety seats must be securely installed using the vehicle's appropriate anchor points or an approved seat belt installation method.

Parents should carefully follow the installation instructions to prevent the seat from moving excessively during travel.

Other Child Car Safety Precautions Parents Should Follow

Apart from choosing the right car seat, parents should follow additional safety measures whenever children travel in a vehicle.

Activate child safety locks: Use child locks to prevent children from accidentally opening doors or windows while the vehicle is moving.

Secure loose objects: Keep heavy bags, luggage and other bulky items properly secured to prevent them from becoming dangerous during sudden braking or a collision.

Never leave children unattended: Vehicle interiors can become dangerously hot within minutes, even when windows are slightly open. Leaving children alone inside parked vehicles can put them at risk of heatstroke.

Why Are Child Car Seats Important?

Child restraint systems play an important role in protecting young passengers during road accidents. Research indicates that correctly used child restraints can reduce the risk of death by up to 71 per cent and injuries by up to 82 per cent.

Parents should therefore make sure their children use the appropriate safety seat on every journey, regardless of the distance travelled.

With the new UAE traffic regulations coming into effect on January 1, 2027, understanding the age, height and installation requirements can help families make safer travel decisions and protect young passengers.