Plans are underway to introduce mandatory child safety seat requirements for preschool-aged children in vehicles. Preparing the corresponding legislative amendment is included in Georgia's National Road Safety Strategy for 2026–2030.According to the document, the use of child safety seats for preschool-aged children will become mandatory in the initial phase.
The objective of this change is to increase safety for children, who are among the most vulnerable road user groups.The strategy notes that children belong to vulnerable road user groups alongside pedestrians, motorcyclists, moped riders, and e-scooter users.Consequently, improving their safety is defined as one of the key pillars of the 2026–2030 strategy.Furthermore, according to the document, legislative changes are not the only measure planned to protect children. The strategy encompasses integrating road safety topics into preschool education programs so that habits of safe behavior begin to form at an early age.
Additionally, a unified online educational platform on road safety will be created, tailored specifically for parents and children.Beyond education, the state plans to reinforce infrastructure measures focused on child safety. According to the strategy, existing and future road infrastructure must become better adapted to the needs of vulnerable groups, including children.Mandatory Seatbelt Use on Rear Seats to Be IntroducedThe new road safety strategy also provides for establishing mandatory seatbelt use on vehicle rear seats and tightening relevant regulations.According to the document, seatbelt usage is considered one of the primary means to prevent fatalities and severe injuries resulting from road traffic accidents. Special attention is directed at rear-seat passengers, as wearing seatbelts is crucial for protecting the life and health of both rear passengers and those in the front seats.
The strategy outlines plans to build a proper normative framework and ensure an effective enforcement mechanism in this area. Concurrently, the state intends to execute targeted social campaigns and educational initiatives to foster a culture of seatbelt use and ensure sustainable results.Making rear seatbelt use mandatory forms part of the new strategy's broader direction, which aims to improve the behavior of road participants and reduce fatalities and severe injuries caused by traffic accidents.Georgia's National Road Safety Strategy for 2026–2030 was prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. Along with the document, an Action Plan for 2026–2027 has also been developed.The estimated cost for implementing the strategy's 2026–2027 Action Plan stands at 98.9 million GEL.
