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Singapore Car Seat Laws: Booster Seats, Infant Seats & Safety Tips



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Child safety on Singapore roads is a serious matter. According to the 2024 KK Child Injury Surveillance Report, road traffic injuries were among the top three causes of injury-related deaths for children aged 16 and below from 2012 to 2023, accounting for 10% of fatalities. In total, there were 4,472 cases of child road traffic injuries over this period[1].

Even more concerning, about half of all child passengers involved in road traffic accidents were not using any form of child car restraint at the time of the incident. For infants under one year old, two-thirds were unrestrained. This highlights a critical gap in compliance with child car seat safety laws and places countless children at risk every day.

Singapore Car Seat Rules

Singapore’s regulations on child restraints are also commonly referred to as the LTA child seat laws, which mandates that children under 1.35 metres must be properly secured using an appropriate child restraint system.

Under the Road Traffic Act, all passengers below 1.35 metres in height must be secured using an approved child restraint, a booster seat, or a seat with an approved adjustable seat belt. These measures are a legal requirement to ensure every child's safety while travelling in a motor vehicle.

Those taller than 1.35m must wear a seat belt, regardless of age. Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to S$1,000 or a jail term of up to three months.

Why Child Car Seats Matter

Using the correct car seat isn't just about following the law—it's about protecting your child's life. Proper use of an infant car seat or booster seat Singapore not only complies with the legal requirement, but also significantly enhances your child's safety. Whether seated in the rear seat or occasionally the passenger seat, securing them with the appropriate restraint reduces the risk of serious injury or death.

Many toddlers are excited to ride up front, but the front passenger seat is never the safest place. Even in short trips, using approved child car restraints helps save lives.

Correctly using infant car seats, rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, or booster seats can reduce the risk of death in accidents by 50%. 22% of children who die in motor vehicle crashes within the age group 0 to 4 are unrestrained.

Imagine this: in a crash at just 48 km/h, an unbelted adult is thrown forward with a force equal to 3.5 tonnes—the weight of an elephant[3]. Now consider the risk for an unsecured child.

Child car seats and boosters in Singapore. The full facts

Types of Child Car Seats

Different ages, weights, and heights require different seat types. Here’s a guide:

Baby Capsule (Newborn to 6 Months)

A rear-facing seat with a portable carrier. Ideal for newborns with no head control. Install it before your due date to ensure safe hospital discharge.

Rear-Facing Car Seat (Newborn to 2 Years)

Recommended as the safest option for infants. Rear-facing seats reduce the risk of serious injury by 500% compared to forward-facing seats.

Important: Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat if there’s an active air bag.

Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat?

While it may seem convenient, children aged 12 and below should avoid sitting in the front seat, especially if the vehicle has an active airbag. The back seat is safer.

Capsule/Pram Combo (Newborn to 1 Year)

A convertible design that lets you transfer a baby from car to pram easily. Typicaly suitable up to 13kg

Forward-Facing Car Seat (2 to 5 Years)

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, transition to a forward-facing model with a 5-point harness.

Booster Seat Singapore (5 Years to 1.35 Metres)

For older children not ready for an adult lap and shoulder belt. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital recommends booster seats for children above five years and below 1.4m[4].

Backless booster seats are not recommended for children under 22kg or below 125cm, per UN safety standards.

Seatbelt (1.35m and above)

Children can use the car’s standard seatbelt only when it fits properly—lap belt across the thighs and shoulder belt across the chest, not the neck.

Car Seat Safety Tips

  • Ensure the car seat fits your vehicle model.
  • Check the seat’s expiry date—yes, car seats expire.
  • Avoid using damaged or recalled seats.
  • If buying second-hand, ensure the harness and buckles are fully functional.
  • Always read the manufacturer’s manual.

When to Travel with Newborn by Car

Medical professionals recommend taking a few extra precautions when travelling in the car with a newborn. Pack plenty of snacks and water so your little one can stay fed and hydrated throughout the journey. Bringing along their favourite toys and books can also help keep them calm and entertained. Most importantly, allow extra travel time, and consider checking real-time updates on traffic, road conditions and any closures before you set off.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing: What the Law Says

Taxis

Taxis are exempt from child restraint laws. However, children under 1.35m must sit in the rear seat. The back seat reduces the risk of injury in a crash.

Private Hire Vehicles (e.g. Grab)

Laws do apply. Children below 1.35m must use appropriate restraints. Services like GrabFamily offer rides with booster seats or child seats for children aged 1–7.

GrabFamily provides a booster seat for children between 1–1.35m or aged 4–7.

Choosing the Right Car Seat

Factors to consider:

  • Child’s height, weight, and age
  • Vehicle type
  • Safety certifications (ECE R44, FMVSS 213, AS/NZS, etc.)
  • Portability of switching between vehicles
  • Adjustable features like reclining and headrest options

We've also made it a little easier for you to choose the best car seat by compiling this list of the top child car seats and boosters.

When to Replace a Car Seat

  • After a crash, even with no visible damage
  • Past the expiry date
  • If the seat is recalled
  • If it has wear and tear
  • If you don’t know the seat’s history (e.g. no manual, no label)
  • child has outgrown/exceed maximum height or weight limit.

Child Passenger Safety Support

Need help choosing or installing a car seat? Contact a Child Passenger Safety Technician:

Car Insurance Matters

Car insurance typically covers all passengers as third parties in an accident. Still, check your policy details and consider adding benefits that cover medical expenses for passengers, including children. Always ensure your child is safely restrained, and your insurance policy is up to date.

For more information on choosing the right child car seat, go to TaxiBaby. Alternatively, please visit our car insurance page if you’re interested in getting car protection.

Citation

  1. https://www.kkh.com.sg/news/patient-care/kkh-child-injury-surveillance-report-2024
  2. https://www.police.gov.sg/e-services
  3. https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/seat-belt-statistics/
  4. https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/safe-driving/child-seats#:~:text=Suitable%20child%20car%20restraint,Fitting%20child%20car%20seats
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