Japan to review who must use child car seats, from height to age limits

Japan is taking another look at who has to sit in a child car seat. Members of an expert panel are expected to discuss expanding the requirements for child safety seats.

Two issues are on the table. One is the height threshold for using a child safety seat. The other is age-based guidelines, meaning how old a child should be before they can switch to a regular seat belt.

What's the background?

The current rule dates back to April 2000. That's when Japan's revised Road Traffic Act took effect, requiring child restraint seats for children under six years old in cars.

So the basic rule has been in place for more than 25 years. The panel's talks are about whether it should be widened or refined.

What's next?

The panel is expected to discuss the details. No changes have been announced yet, so nothing is different for drivers and parents for now.