Child car seat required until what age?

Under 6 years
Age requirement
12 years
Height exemption
¥50,000
Max fine
3 months
Max imprisonment
The Short Answer

In Japan, children under 6 years old must use a child car seat or booster seat unless an exception applies.

What the Law Says

Japan’s Road Traffic Act sets mandatory child restraint requirements to protect young passengers.

Children under the age of 6 must be secured in an approved child car seat or booster seat while riding in a motor vehicle. This rule applies to all vehicles, including private cars and taxis, unless a statutory exception applies.

An exception exists if the child is at least 12 years old or has a height of 140 cm or more — in those cases, a standard seat belt may be used instead. However, the primary legal obligation is based on age (under 6), not height or weight.

Failure to comply is a criminal offense punishable by up to 3 months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥50,000 — or both.

Statutory Text

A driver of a motor vehicle shall not drive the vehicle with a child under the age of six riding in the vehicle unless the child is secured in a child seat conforming to standards set forth by Cabinet Order.

— Road Traffic Act, s. 71-2 — Obligation to Use Child Seats
Statutory Text

The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply where the child is twelve years of age or older, or where the child’s height is 140 centimeters or more.

— Road Traffic Act, s. 71-2 — Exception

What to Do

1

Ensure any child under 6 years old uses a certified child car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height.

2

Verify the seat meets Japanese safety standards (JIS D 0801 or later).

3

Do not rely on height alone — the legal requirement is age-based (under 6), unless the child is 12+ or ≥140 cm tall.

4

If renting a car or using a taxi in Japan, confirm in advance that a suitable child seat is available or bring your own certified seat.

Sources

statuteRoad Traffic Act, s. 71-2 — Obligation to Use Child SeatsstatuteCabinet Order on Standards for Child Restraint Systems (JIS D 0801)

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.