The Road Safety & Insurance Fund Service has issued a draft directive proposing compulsory child-extension belts and age-specific restraint systems in vehicles to improve passenger safety for infants and young children. The measure would oblige inter-city public transport operators to secure infants with extension belts, while private car owners would need to install child-restraint systems certified under Ethiopian quality standards. The draft sets clear categories: infants under one year, below 10kg or 105cm, should travel in rear-mounted restraints lying on their backs; children aged one to four, weighing 9-18kg, would need rear-facing seats, and those aged four to seven, weighing 15-25kg, would require booster seats in the vehicle’s rear. Drivers would also be accountable for ensuring all passengers in front and rear seats fasten their belts. Large mass-transit vehicles carrying more than 24 passengers would only enforce belts for drivers and front-row occupants. Newly imported vehicles must come fitted with belts aligned with national standards. Exemptions are included for individuals with medical restrictions, subject to annually renewed certification. Two and three-wheelers remain excluded from the rules.

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