Car Seats and Booster Seats for Children in Japan
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Those traveling to Japan with children and intending to drive must be aware of the laws governing child safety in automobiles.
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Car Seats and Booster Seats Law in Japan
Any child under the age of 6 must be restrained by a car seat, according to Japanese law. The recommendations are to use a rear-facing car seat until the child is 2 years old or 9kg (20lbs), a forward-facing car seat for children under the age of 4 and 18kg (40lbs), and a booster seat for children under the age of 8 and 36kg (80lbs).
What happens if you violate the law?
If you are caught driving without a child seat and are caught, there will be no fine; however, you will lose one point on your driver's license.
What circumstances exempt you from following the law?
When a child rides a bus or a taxi, they are not required by law to use a child car seat. If the child is unable to get into a car seat on the way to the hospital due to illness, injury, or an emergency, you will be exempt from having to put the child in a car seat.
The law also states that a child does not need to be in a car seat while being breastfed or changing diapers. It is strongly advised, however, that you stop the car somewhere and attend to the child's needs rather than when the car is in motion and the risk of injury is high.
Car Seat Placement
Children should not be placed in the front seat of a car because there is a high risk of an airbag killing a child in the event of an accident. To reduce the risk, it is recommended that you move the seat back to its furthest position before installing a car seat in the front.
*Because airbags can kill little children, children should not ride in the front seat until they are in their teens.
Different Types of Car Seats and Booster Seats
Here's an infographic with a step-by-step guide to selecting a car set or booster seat.
Purchasing Car Seats and Booster Seats in Japan
Amazon Japan will perhaps have the most to choose from overall along with the added benefit of being able to shop in English.
Babies R’ Us will have the biggest selection but there are other stores such as Akachan Honpo and Nishimatsuya.
You may also be interested in reading:
Japan Traffic Violations: Demerit Point System & Ticket Colors
Driving on Japan’s Highways and Toll Roads
Child Car Seat Safety in Japan
Gas Stations in Japan - How to fill up
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