Major crackdown on UAE motorists: Parents fined for allowing children under 10 sit in the front seat

Sharjah: Police across the UAE have recorded 3,802 violations related to a critical road safety regulation concerning children’s seating arrangements in vehicles, according to the Ministry of Interior statistics.

The violations were identified in cases where individuals allowed children aged 10 or younger, or those shorter than 145cm, to sit in the front seat of the vehicles.

Sharjah reported the highest number of violations, with 2,600 cases, followed by Ajman with 896, Abu Dhabi with 161, and Dubai with 118. Fujairah recorded 14 violations, Ras Al Khaimah had seven, and Umm Al Quwain six.

This initiative is part of a broader crackdown on road safety, aimed at protecting young passengers. The law mandates that children must sit in the rear seats unless they meet specific height or age criteria. Violating this regulation can result in fines.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of child safety in vehicles. Sitting in the front seat exposes young passengers to greater risks, especially in the event of a crash.

Police have urged drivers to install proper child safety seats in their vehicles. The Federal Traffic Law requires children under the age of four to use safety seats. According to Article 49 of the Federal Traffic Law, front seat passengers must be at least 145cm tall and older than 10 years.

Parents face a fine of Dh400 for violating the rules concerning seating of children in their vehicles.

Parents should never carry babies in the front seat or allow young children to sit there.

In the event of a crash, children are at great risk. A rear-impact collision can propel a baby from a mother’s lap through the windshield. A head-on collision with an airbag deployment could be fatal for infants.

Car seats provide a protective barrier for young children during accidents. Rear-facing car seats absorb the impact from a crash, and their shells and cushions protect the baby’s spine and vital organs. The seatbelt further ensures the child isn’t thrown around inside the vehicle.

Since young children have smaller builds, regular seat belts cannot adequately restrain them. Child car seats are specifically designed to provide better protection, offering crucial restraint and cushioning that standard seat belts cannot.

Do not make children under the age of 10 sit in the front seat.

Always use appropriate child restraints (car seats, booster cushions).

Never allow children to move about inside the car.

Never allow children to sit on a passenger’s or driver’s lap.

Ensure children cannot open windows or doors to prevent them from leaning out.