Damon Mcknight
In Australia, the rules regarding car seats for children are based on height and age. While car seats are not required by law for children over the age of seven, safety experts recommend that children under the age of 145 cm use a booster seat. Children under the age of four should not travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows, unless all other back seats are occupied by children under the age of seven. Additionally, children under the age of seven must use an approved child restraint when travelling in a vehicle, and those under six months must use a rear-facing child car seat. It is important to note that car seats bought outside of Australia may not meet the required standards and may be illegal to use within the country.
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What You'll Learn
Age and height requirements
In Australia, children must be safely secured in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age and size. The rules around whether children need to be in a car seat are based on height rather than age.
From birth up to six months, babies must be restrained in a rear-facing child car seat. This can include an infant capsule or a convertible car seat designed for babies.
From six months to four years old, children must be in either a rearward-facing or forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness. Children under four years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows.
From four to seven years old, children must be in either a forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness, a booster seat, or a child safety harness used in conjunction with the vehicle's seatbelt. The child safety harness option is recommended for children who are too small to be properly restrained by a seatbelt. Children in this age group can travel in the front seat if all other rear seats are filled with passengers under seven.
Once a child reaches seven years old, they can use an adult seatbelt or booster seat. However, safety experts strongly recommend that children continue using a booster seat until they are at least 145 cm tall.
If a child is too large for the child restraint specified for their age, they may move to the next level of child restraint.
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Transport type regulations
Private vehicles
All car seat laws that apply to private vehicles also apply to taxis. Children under the age of four should never travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows unless the car is a ute or another type of vehicle without a back seat. Children under four years old can travel in the front seat of a vehicle with only one row of seats but must be in an approved child car seat suitable for their age and size. Children from four to seven years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven. Children under seven years old must use an approved child restraint when travelling in a vehicle. Children up to six months old must be secured in a suitable and properly fastened and adjusted approved rearward-facing restraint. Children from six months to four years old must be secured in either a suitable and properly fastened and adjusted rear or forward-facing approved child restraint with an in-built harness. Children from four to seven years old must be secured in a suitable and appropriately fastened and adjusted forward-facing approved child restraint with an in-built harness or an approved booster seat. Children seven years and older who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened are strongly recommended to use either a forward-facing seat with an in-built harness for older children, an approved booster seat, or an approved child safety harness in conjunction with the vehicle's seatbelt.
Taxis
In some states, taxis are required to provide child car seats, while in other states, they are expected to have the appropriate facilities to install one. Many taxis carry approved child car seats, so request one when you book. If there is no suitable approved child seat available, children under seven years old must not sit in the front row of seats if the taxi has two or more rows of seats. Children seven years and older can be restrained in an adult seatbelt or booster seat.
Buses
Buses with 12 or more seats are exempt from rules about child restraints. However, the rules still apply to buses with fewer than 12 seats. It is recommended that you bring your suitable child restraint and fit it properly into the bus to ensure your child is kept as safe as possible in the event of an accident.
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Buying car seats
When buying car seats in Australia, it is important to consider the age, weight, and height of your child to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Age and Height
Choose a car seat that is suitable for your child's age and height. This ensures the seat provides the necessary support and protection. If your child is too tall for the car seat designated for their age, they can move to the next age category.
Type of Car Seat
Consider the type of car seat that is appropriate for your child's age and size. For newborns up to six months old, a rearward-facing infant capsule or convertible car seat is required. From six months to four years old, your child can use either a rearward-facing or forward-facing child car seat. From four to seven years old, a forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness or a booster seat with an adult lap-sash seatbelt is necessary. Once your child reaches 145 cm in height, they can use an adult seatbelt.
Type of Car
Think about the size and shape of your car, especially if you need to install multiple car seats. This will help you select a car seat that fits your vehicle properly.
Safety Standards
Ensure that the car seat complies with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1754). Car seats sold within Australia meet these standards, but those purchased overseas may not and are therefore illegal to use in Australia.
Accessories
Consider accessories such as cup holders and seat protectors. Cup holders can reduce spills and keep drinks within easy reach, while seat protectors can safeguard your car's upholstery from scratches and spills.
Budget
Your budget will also be a factor when choosing a car seat. There are various options available at different price points, so you can find one that suits your needs and budget.
Remember, it is crucial to follow the recommended guidelines and choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child's age, weight, and height to ensure their safety and comfort while travelling.
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Child restraint rules
In Australia, child restraint rules are based on a few factors, including a child's age, height, weight, and the type of vehicle they're travelling in. These rules are designed to keep children safe and must be followed closely.
Up to six months old:
Babies up to six months old must be restrained in an approved rearward-facing child car seat. This can include an infant capsule or a convertible car seat designed for infants.
Six months to four years old:
Children in this age group must be secured in either a rearward-facing or forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness.
Four to seven years old:
Children in this age bracket must use either a forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness or a booster seat. The booster seat must be restrained by a correctly adjusted and fastened adult lap-sash seatbelt or an approved safety harness.
It is important to note that children under four years old should not travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows unless the car is a ute or another type of vehicle without a back seat. Children aged seven and older can sit in the front seat, but they must be tall enough—at least 145 cm—to use an adult seatbelt properly.
Over seven years old:
Children over seven who are too small to be properly restrained by a seatbelt are strongly recommended to use a forward-facing seat with an inbuilt harness, an approved booster seat, or a child safety harness with the vehicle's seatbelt.
Buses and taxis:
Buses with 12 or more seats are exempt from child restraint rules. However, the rules apply to buses with fewer than 12 seats. For taxis, the rules vary across states and territories. Some states require taxi drivers to provide child car seats, while others only need to have anchor points for installing them. When travelling by bus or taxi, it is recommended to bring your own suitable child restraint and fit it properly to ensure your child's safety.
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Booster seat safety
In Australia, the rules around car seats are based on a child's height rather than their age. Children must use a booster seat until they are at least 145 cm tall. If a child is too tall for the car seat designated for their age, they can move to the next age category. Booster seats are belt-positioning seats that enable a safer and more comfortable fit of the adult seat belt. When using a booster seat, the adult seat belt should lie across the upper thighs and be snug across the shoulder and chest. It should not rest on the stomach area or across the neck or face.
Children under four years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows. Children from four to seven years old cannot travel in the front seat unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven in an approved child restraint or booster seat.
It is important to choose the right booster seat and use it correctly. Seventy-three per cent of car seats are not used or installed correctly, so it is essential to check your car seat before driving. You should also register your car seat information to stay up to date on recalls and safety notices. Car seats sold outside of Australia may not meet Australian standards, so it is recommended to purchase car seats locally.
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Frequently asked questions
Children under six months must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint.
Children in this age group must be secured in either a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness.
No, children under four years old cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows.
