Car seat law in UAE: Rules for Child Seats, Laws & Safety Tips

Children in Dubai and across the UAE must use age- and size-appropriate car seats. Infants and toddlers need rear-facing seats, while older children transition to forward-facing seats and boosters. Children under 4 years must be secured in a child seat, and kids under 10 years old (or under 145 cm tall) are not allowed to sit in the front seat.

The card seat law by weight and height in Dubai include the following: 

• Rear-facing seats: For infants up to 9–13 kg, depending on the seat. It’s safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible.
• Forward-facing seats: For toddlers from around 9 kg to 18 kg (roughly 9 months to 4 years).
• Booster seats: For children 15–36 kg (roughly 3½ to 12 years), ensuring the seatbelt fits correctly over the hips and chest.

There are also i-Size seats, height-based seats that must be rear-facing until at least 15 months, installed only in cars with Isofix points.

The car seat regulations in Dubai are simple: Each child must ride in a seat that is appropriate for their height, weight, and age.  Proper installation is essential, and approved seats that adhere to UAE or European safety standards are needed.  Make sure harnesses are tight, always abide by the manufacturer's instructions, and never skimp on safety.  Incorrect installation renders even the priciest seat ineffective.

For safety reasons, children under 10 years old or shorter than 145 cm should always ride in the back seat. Airbags in the front can be dangerous for smaller passengers. 

There are severe penalties if you don't use the proper car seat.  Drivers risk four black points on their license in addition to an AED 400 fine.  More significantly, children who are not properly restrained are far more likely to sustain severe injuries in an accident.  Respecting the law is important for your child's safety, not just to avoid traffic fines.

Rear-facing seats are the safest option for babies and toddlers. They support the head, neck, and spine, spreading the force of a collision across the strongest parts of your child’s body. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, according to the seat’s weight and height limits.

Once your child outgrows a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seats with a 5-point harness provide structured support. These seats keep toddlers and preschoolers secure while giving them more room to move comfortably.

Booster seats lift children so the regular seatbelt fits correctly across their chest and hips. They’re essential for older children who have outgrown forward-facing seats but are not yet tall enough for an adult seatbelt to fit safely.

Choosing the right seat can feel overwhelming, but it boils down to a few key points:

• Check the age, weight, and height guidelines on the seat.
• Look for approved safety certifications (UAE or European standards).
• Fit your car first—not every seat works in every vehicle.
• Comfort matters: a seat your child refuses to use isn’t safe.

Follow installation instructions exactly, including harness adjustments and seat angle.

Here are some additional safety rules for kids in cars: 

• Always buckle up: Even in booster seats, children must wear seatbelts correctly.
• Never leave children unattended in the car: Temperatures can rise quickly, putting kids at risk of heatstroke or worse.
• Positioning is key: Back seats are the safest, so keep children rear-facing or forward-facing there as long as possible.
• Check regularly: Seat installations, harness straps, and buckles should be inspected often to ensure everything is secure.

One of the main causes of severe injuries to children worldwide is car accidents. The risk of injury is significantly decreased by using the appropriate seat.  The goal of using a car seat correctly is to protect your child and provide you with peace of mind every time you drive, not just to comply with the law.  Your child can avoid severe harm or worse with a small time and financial investment.

Yes, children must be in a suitable car seat until they are old and tall enough for an adult  .

Children under 10 years or under 145 cm should stay in the back.

Failure to comply results in AED 400 fine and four black points on the driver’s license.

Only when they are tall enough for the belt to fit correctly—usually around 10–12 years or above 145 cm.

Children can transition out of booster seats once they are tall enough for an adult seatbelt to fit properly (lap across hips, shoulder across chest).

Front seats are only allowed for children over 10 years and taller than 145 cm. Always use restraints correctly if the front seat must be used.