Road Safety Rules for Kids in the UAE

In the UAE, where strong connectivity and smart technology shape everyday life, road safety is more than a rule — it’s a shared responsibility. But for children, who are among the most at-risk travellers, following the basics isn’t always enough. From car seats and travel boosters to trusted campaigns like “Mama I Am Home,” the country takes clear steps to protect young passengers through important road safety rules and awareness initiatives.

At Hertz UAE, child safety is built into every ride. Whether you’re opting for a short-term rental, long-term lease, or fully managed transportation solution, the focus remains on delivering well-maintained vehicles and reliable mobility — supporting families and businesses in staying compliant with the country’s child safety regulations.

Mandatory Child Car Seat Laws in the UAE

To enhance travel safety for young passengers, the UAE has made child car seats a legal requirement under Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017. The law outlines the following key guidelines:

• Children under the age of four must be secured in a suitable child safety seat while travelling.
• The seat must comply with European safety standards ECE R44.03 or R44.04 and display a valid serial number.
• To ensure quality and crash-test approval, the seat should be purchased from ESMA-authorised retailers.

Car Seat Guidelines by Weight & Height

• Note: Rear-facing seats must never be placed in the front passenger seat if an airbag is active.

Where to Buy?

If you rent a car in Dubai, or rent a car in Abu Dhabi, or any other Emirate with Hertz, you can call us or contact us for to get a child seat for your car rental – more information on child seats with Hertz car rentals can be found here.

Seats are available across all vehicle groups and locations. Please note it’s the renter’s responsibility to correctly install and secure the seat before travel.

Seatbelt Regulations for Kids in the UAE

Since July 2017, the United Arab Emirates has upheld a unified seatbelt law that applies to all vehicle occupants — from those seated up front to those in the back.

The law also includes the littlest travelers, requiring that babies and children be securely fastened using the right tools: child seats, booster cushions, or seatbelts tailored to their size.

Those who overlook this vital step face legal trouble — including an AED 400 fine and 4 black points on their license. Unfortunately, usage remains limited, with only 70% of parents in the UAE consistently using child restraints.

To turn this around, it’s essential to uplift public understanding, offer useful tips, and help families learn all road safety rules that are in place to protect young lives.

What Are the Child Seat Rules in Dubai?

Dubai complies with the federal child safety law under Ministerial Resolution No. 178/2017 but has taken a more committed and consistent approach to enforcement and education. City authorities, especially Dubai Police, carry out regular car seat checks near communities and schools while also managing year-round campaigns to motivate and guide parents on correct car seat use.

Are Car Seats Mandatory for Kids in UAE?

Dismissing on-road safety rules is not an option, especially for children under the age of four in the UAE. Even short drives demand proper protection. Disregarding this can bring fines, black points, and, most dangerously, the risk of serious injury. Despite the data, with 37% of parents believing that restraints aren’t needed for distances under 10 km, there’s a definite need for broader awareness and better public education.

Restrictions on Children in the Front Seat

Children are not allowed in the front seat under the following conditions:

• Under 10 years old
• Shorter than 145 cm

When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in UAE?

A child can legally sit in the front seat only if they are:

• At least 10 years old, and
• Taller than 145 cm

Still, the back seat is always safer, especially for younger passengers. If using a forward-facing seat in the front, deactivate the airbag and push the seat as far back as possible.

Tips for Ensuring Child Safety Inside Vehicles

Driving with the right seat is a great start, but safety doesn’t pause there. To fully protect your child and follow the new road safety rules, every parent should practise these key steps:

• Double-lock doors using child safety features to prevent sudden openings.
• Prohibit children from standing or roaming while the car is in motion.
• Remind kids not to poke heads or hands outside windows, it’s risky and against road and safety rules.
• Provide safe entertainment like puzzles, playlists, or peaceful stories to reduce restlessness.
• Routinely inspect the seatbelt or harness to ensure a proper, secure fit.
• Always follow the posted speed limits — exceeding them puts both your child and others on the road at serious risk. Learn more about speed limits in the UAE.

By reinforcing these everyday habits, parents help children grow up with a better understanding of road safety guidelines, and play a part in promoting a safer journey for all.

Avoid Leaving Kids Unattended in Cars

Considering the UAE’s challenging climate, leaving a child in a closed car isn’t just careless, it’s a criminal offence.

Consequences: Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of AED 1,000,000.

Concerns: Closed vehicles can become dangerously hot within minutes, especially for children, causing breathing difficulties, body overheating, and extreme discomfort.

Be cautious and build the habit of always checking before closing the doors. Community-backed campaigns continue to remind drivers to “Check the Back Seat.”

Pedestrian Safety Tips for Kids

Regardless of whether children are roaming near schools or navigating open parking lots, their safety as pedestrians remains a top priority. Here’s how to reinforce the right habits:

1. Review road safety rules and traffic signs together, especially how to recognize and respond to traffic signs.
2. Observe safe crossing routines, and teach children to stop, look right, then left, and then right again before stepping onto the road.
3. Train them to walk, not run, across roads to reduce risks.
4. Remind them that toddlers and young children should never cross the road alone; they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
5. Repeat and rehearse these routines regularly to build confidence and awareness.
6. Teach them to be extra alert around driveways and behind parked cars in areas with ongoing pedestrian movement.

Road safety starts on foot, and these everyday actions help turn awareness into a habit.

Selecting Family-Friendly Cars for Enhanced Safety

Prioritizing protection is key when picking a vehicle, especially for parents. Safety isn’t just a bonus; it’s the backbone of responsible travel. Look out for these top features built to protect young passengers:

• Properly placed ISOFIX points for child seat installation
• Built-in side-impact airbags
• Back-door child safety locks
• Tailored rearview camera systems for better visibility

At Hertz UAE, browse a broad range of family-ready vehicles equipped with protective technology to support road safety rules for car travel. Planning a trip with kids? Take a look at our child car seat rental options to boost travel safety with ease.

Government Programs and Campaigns for Child Safety

One of the UAE’s standout initiatives is the “Mama I Am Home” campaign, a fun, interactive program launched by Emirates Driving Institute and Dubai Police.

Key elements include:

• Animated traffic safety sessions in schools
• Role-playing activities teaching road rules
• Take-home kits with manuals, colouring books, and games
• More than 300,000 children trained to date

The goal? To build a generation of road-smart residents from a young age through engagement, not fear.

From Car Seats to Compliance: Keeping Kids Safe with Hertz UAE

Child safety in the UAE is more than just a concern; it’s a clear duty that is defined by strict laws and supported by continuous public awareness efforts. From proper car seat use to daily pedestrian safety rules, every detail plays a part in protecting young passengers.

It’s also crucial to note that if you’re renting a vehicle from Hertz and are transporting children, child seats must be correctly fitted. UAE traffic law makes this mandatory — failure to comply can lead to penalties, including fines and black points on the renter’s license.

To support safe journeys, Hertz UAE provides dedicated options for families. Check our latest deals on the offers page and explore rental solutions designed with your child’s comfort in mind.