There are laws for the type of restraints children of a certain age need to travel in.
While the law specifies the minimum, it’s safest to only move your child to the next type of restraint once they outgrow their current restraint. The restraint you choose must meet the Australian standard and be properly fastened and adjusted.
There are also laws on where children can sit in a car.
While the law specifies a minimum, it is recommended to only allow your child to travel in the front seat when they are older than 12 years of age.
The law requires parents to only use child restraints that meet the Australian standard. These restraints display an Australian Standards approved sticker.
Features of the current standard include:
Note: Booster cushions were deleted from the standard in 2010 and are no longer manufactured. RACV does not recommend booster cushions as they do not provide any side impact or head protection.
Parents can still use restraints that meet the 2004 and 2010 versions of the AS/NZS 1754 standard. While models meeting these standards can still be legally used, it is not safe to use a restraint that is more than 10 years old.
The use of child restraints in Australia is high, with restraints used over 95% of the time. However misuse is a significant problem. In most cases where restrained children are injured, some form of misuse is generally involved.
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that passengers are properly restrained in an approved child restraint or seatbelt.
To ensure that your child is safe, check that:
Compared with children in dedicated child restraint systems, children in adult seatbelts are 3.5 times more likely to sustain a significant injury, particularly to the head. It is safest to keep children in their current restraint until they are too big for it. Check all options in your child’s recommended category before transitioning them to the next category of restraint to keep them as safe as possible.
Research shows that children who are incorrectly restrained are up to seven times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash than children who are restrained correctly. Keep children safe by:
Restraints older than ten years cannot be guaranteed to perform as they were originally designed. If you think the restraint is no longer safe it should be destroyed. Destroy the restraint if it
If you put the restraint out for hard rubbish collection, cut the straps so that no one else can use it.
RACV’s latest Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP) test results demonstrate that not all child restraints are created equal. Restraints tested by this program are rated on how well they protect children in a crash and how easy they are to use.
You should choose a restraint that performs better in crash testing and that is easier to use.
Remember that convertible restraints might be safer in one position over another (for example 4 stars in the forward position and 3 stars when facing rearward). Restraints with a taller back can be used for longer so check the dimensions on childcarseats.com.au. It’s also a good idea to see how the restraint will fit into your car before you buy.
You can hire restraints, such as capsules, for short term use by contacting your local council or hire service. Always check a hired restraint before you use it.
For more information, contact your local council or local restraint hire service.
It is important to be cautious when buying second-hand child restraints. An RACV survey found that 1 in 5 child restraints sold online or in stores are not suitable for sale because they were worn-out, damaged, too old or even illegal overseas models.
Not only would these restraints be a waste of money, they are potentially dangerous. Even though many second hand restraints were found to be in good condition, parents should ask lots of questions before buying. If you don’t get the answer you’re looking for, look for another one.
1. Only buy a restraint that meets the Australian Standard
2. Don’t use a restraint that’s more than 10 years old
3. Check that all parts are in good condition
4. Know the history
5. Check the safety rating
6. Check the restraint is suitable for your needs
7. Ask for the instruction manual
RACV recommends you have child restraints professionally installed. RACV has a network of restraint fitters throughout Victoria who can fit your restraint or check that it’s installed correctly. Using an accredited restraint fitting station has been shown to halve incorrect use of child restraints.
Fitting a restraint into a car might seem easy, but it can be quite difficult to get right. In fact, about 70% of child restraints are not installed correctly. If you have your restraint professionally installed, the fitter can also show you how to use the restraint and answer any questions.
Keep the instructions that came with the restraint in a safe place, like the dedicated pocket on the restraint. You can refer back to this if anything needs adjusting.
There are regular checks you can do to make sure you are using your restraint correctly, these include checking that the:
Child restraints and most boosters need to be attached via a top tether strap to an anchor point in the car. Typically, the anchor point can be found on the parcel shelf in sedans, and on the floor area in station wagons, vans and hatchbacks. Some station wagons may have the anchor point on the inside roof area.
Depending when a car was manufactured this will be either a special anchor bolt or anchor fitting. For the location of anchor points in your vehicle, refer to your owner's manual.
Make sure a luggage hook is not confused with an anchor point.
The risk of injury from an airbag is lowfor correctly restrained children in the back seat. Their risk of injury increases in the front seat and if they are leaning forward.
The risk to children also increases in the back seat if they are not sitting correctly or if resting part of their body where there is an airbag.
It’s important to remember that the benefits of airbags far outweigh the risks.
To keep safe and minimise these risks
If a child must travel in a car with an airbag and only one row of seats, you should move the seat back as far as possible and discourage your child from leaning forward.
RACV commissioned research on behalf of our members to determine the safety risk associated with placing children in child restraints close to airbags. Read the full research report.
Rearward facing restraints should be used from birth for as long as your baby’s shoulders fit between the shoulder height markers clearly labelled on the restraint.
There are two types of rearward facing restraints available:
| Single purpose restraint | can only be used in a rearward facing position and used from birth to at least 6 months and until the child fits in it |
| Convertible restraint | rearward facing until babies outgrow this position then can be used as a forward facing restraint once the child is too tall for the rearward facing mode |
Babies are safer if they stay in their rearward facing restraint for as long as possible. You should only move your children to a forward facing child restraint when they have outgrown their rearward facing child restraint. Just because a child has turned 6 months does not mean they are ready to travel in a forward facing child restraint.
Convertible restraints can be used for longer than single purpose restraints. Keep in mind that they might be safer in one position over another. Check childcarseats.com.au to choose a restraint that performs well in both positions
The harness strap slot nearest to the child’s shoulders, but not below the shoulders should be used. When your child has outgrown the highest slot of their rearward facing restraint, they can be moved into a larger rearward facing restraint or forward facing child restraint.
Restraints meeting older versions of the Australian standard may have weight based recommendations. While some of these models can still be legally used, it is important to remember that it’s not safe to use restraints that are more than 10 years old.
Forward facing restraints should be used once a child no longer fits into their rearward facing restraint. This can be checked by seeing if your child’s shoulders fit between the shoulder height markers clearly labelled on the restraint.
There are three types of forward facing restraints available:
Single purpose restraint |
can only be used in the forward facing position
|
Convertible rearward/forward facing restraint |
can be used in the rearward facing position then adjusted to the forward facing position for infants who are too big for the rearward mode
|
Forward facing restraint/booster seat combinations |
used as a forward facing restraint until at least age 4, then the seat can be used as a booster with a lap/sash seatbelt
|
Babies are safer if they stay in their rearward facing restraint for as long as possible. You should only move your children to a forward facing child restraint when they have outgrown their rearward facing child restraint. Just because a child has turned 6 months does not mean they are ready to travel in a forward facing child restraint.
Convertible restraints can be used for a little longer. Keep in mind that they might be safer in one position over another. Check childcarseats.com.au to choose a restraint that performs well in both positions.
Monthly safety checks for forward facing seats
Once your child has outgrown the highest slot of their rearward facing restraint, they can be moved into a larger rearward facing restraint or forward facing child restraint.
The harness strap slot nearest to the child’s shoulders, but not more than 2.5cm below the shoulders, should be used. When your child has outgrown the highest slot, they can be moved into a larger forward facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness OR a booster seat. This will depend on your child’s size.
Booster seats should be used once a child no longer fits into their forward facing restraint as indicated by the shoulder height markers. Booster seats are used with a lap/sash seatbelt for children who have outgrown a forward facing restraint.
Some booster seats are suitable for older children up to 8-10 years of age. These have adjustable head restraints and can accommodate children as they grow.
Children should use a booster seat until they outgrow it. An adult lap/sash seatbelt is designed for people with a minimum height of 145cm. Children who use an adult seatbelt too early are 3.5 times more likely to sustain a significant injury in a crash.
There are two types of booster seats available:
| Single purpose booster seats with a back | are designed to be used with a lap/sash seatbelt and may or may not have a top tether
|
| Forward facing restraint/booster combinations | used as a forward facing restraints until at least age 4, then the seat can be used as a booster with a lap/sash seatbelt
|
Booster cushions were deleted from the 2010 Australian child restraint standard and are no longer manufactured, but are available on the second hand market. They are not recommended for use because of safety concerns. Booster cushions do not offer side or head protection in a crash.
Restraints meeting older versions of the Australian standard may have weight based recommendations. While some of these models can still be legally used, it is important to remember that it’s not safe to use restraints that are more than 10 years old.
Seatbelts are designed for people with a minimum height of 145cm.
The law requires children younger than 7 years to use an approved, properly fastened and adjusted child restraint or booster seat when travelling in a car. From age 7, children can use a booster seat or an adult seatbelt. Keep in mind that children who use an adult seatbelt too early are 3.5 times more likely to sustain a significant injury, particularly to the head. Do not move children to an adult seatbelt too early.
If your child does not fit correctly in an adult seatbelt, they will need to stay in a booster seat.
1. Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder properly between the child’s neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible and touching the child’s thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
To provide your child with the best protection, select a restraint suitable for your child's age and height. Visit the childcarseats.com.au website to check a restraints safety performance.
Make sure your child restraint is correctly fitted and adjusted every time you buckle your child into the car. See RACV’s factsheet Using restraints, getting it right every trip.
The laws cater for the majority of children however if a child is too big for their recommended restraint they may use the restraint in the next category.
Do not use a restraint if it has been in a moderate to severe crash as the structure of the restraint may no longer be safe. The restraint should be destroyed.
Never use a restraint unless you are sure it has not been in a crash and you know it is less than 10 years old. Always check for obvious signs of wear, chalky residue or cracks on the plastic shell. Test that the buckle and adjusters work properly.
Booster cushions were deleted from the standard in 2010 however they can still be legally used. Booster cushions do not provide any side protection in a crash and RACV does NOT RECOMMEND their use.
Legally, children 7 years or older may use an adult seatbelt. However it is recommended that children use a booster until they reach at least 145cm or outgrow their booster seat. Children can be seriously injured in a crash if they are moved out of a booster seat too early.
No! Seatbelts are designed to be used for one person only.
Some exemptions to child restraint laws may apply to children with a medical condition or physical disability. Seek advice from a health professional who can prescribe the best restraint for your child.
For optimal safety, parents should use their own child restraints. Children aged under 1 year must travel in the back seat, but do not have to use a child restraint. Children aged 1 year and over must be in their own seat, with their own properly fastened seatbelt if there is no child restraint or booster seat available.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install a restraint. The best way to ensure that a restraint is fitted correctly is to have it fitted at a Restraint Fitting Station.
Approximately 70% of restraints are fitted incorrectly and can put children at risk in the event of a crash or heavy braking.
All restraints that have a top tether need to be anchored.
Child restraints and most booster seats need to be attached via a top tether strap to an anchor point in the car. This will be shown in your car owner's manual.
Anchor points can be found in the parcel shelf, at the back of a seat, in the boot floor or even the roof behind the back seat.
It is recommended that you visit a Restraint Fitting Station to install your child’s restraint.
Submarining occurs when a child slides under their seatbelt during a crash or heavy breaking if their seatbelt is not fitted correctly. Parents should NOT move children into the next type of restraint too early to avoid submarining.
By law, children under 7 years must not travel in the front seat if a car has two or more rows of seats.
If all back seats are being used by children younger than 7, children aged between 4 to 7 may travel in the front seat in an approved booster seat.
If your child must travel in front of a passenger frontal airbag, move the seat back as far as possible.
See RACV’s factsheet Child restraints and airbags.
Remember that it is safer for children to travel in the back seat until they are older than 12 years of age
Children are safest when restrained in the back seat however children can sit in the front seat in special circumstances such as when there is not enough space in the back seat. In these cases children aged 4 to 7 years can travel in a booster seat in the front seat.
You can legally use a restraint or booster seat in vehicles with only one row of seats provided there is a seatbelt and anchorage point available. However remember that it is safer for children to travel in the back seat until they are older than 12 years of age.
NEVER install a rearward facing restraint where there is an active front passenger airbag due to the high risk of injury.
See RACV’s factsheet Child restraints and airbags.
If practical, install restraints in the centre seating position in the back seat and get children out from the kerb side door.
Children up to and including 12 years of age are safest when restrained in the back seat. Children under 12 should not sit in front of a front passenger airbag if a back seat is available. See RACV’s factsheet Child restraints and airbags.
It’s preferable to restrain children in the second row of seats. Dickie seats can legally be used by children aged 4 to 7 years provided the seat is suitable for their age and height.
No! The forces of a crash are so great that even in low speed crashes, the strength needed to hold onto a child would be similar to lifting one end of a small car. In a 60 km/h crash the child's weight would be like trying to stop a half tonne weight from moving forward! Tests show that children can be thrown around the vehicle's interior or out of the vehicle.
An inbuilt harness is part of a child restraint.
A child safety harness (H-harness) is sold as a separate item and is generally not recommended for use. They should ONLY be used with booster seats where a lap only belt is fitted.
You don’t need a harness unless a lap-only belt is fitted. Booster seats are designed to be used with a lap/sash seatbelt. Using an external harness is NOT recommended.
Accessories are not recommended unless they are sold with your restraint or booster. After market accessories can make it more difficult to remove a child from a car in a crash or even interfere with the performance of a restraint.
The latest version of the Australian Standard for child restraints (AS/NZS 1754:2013) has an option for manufacturers to produce ISOFIX compatible child restraints. ISOFIX is an alternative way to attach a child restraint to a vehicle, without a seatbelt.
ISOFIX compatible child restraints have been introduced as another option for how child restraints can be fitted to cars – not because of any concerns with the safety of the current range of child restraints. There is strong evidence that Australian child restraints that use the vehicle seatbelt and top tether strap provide excellent protection to children, even in very high severity crashes.
Child restraints that use the vehicle seatbelt and top tether strap will continue to be available. Australian ISOFIX compatible child restraints will just be another option to choose from. ISOFIX compatible child restraints will also still have an option to allow them to be fitted with a seatbelt.
There is still potential for incorrect use of ISOFIX compatible child restraints, so it is important to take care when fitting and using child restraints, no matter the type.
All child restraints sold in Australia must comply with the Australian Standard and display and Australian Standards sticker. It is illegal to use an overseas model or a restraint that doesn’t meet these requirements.
To help choose the safest child restraint, visit the Child Car Seats website. This website contains information from The Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP) that independently crash tests child restraints and provides star ratings for crash protection and ease of use. As more ISOFIX compatible child restraints become available, they will be included in the testing.
All children need to travel safely and comfortably to and from places such as school, leisure activities or medical appointments. Children with additional needs (e.g. due to a medical condition or behavioural problem) often require special consideration when being transported in cars. For some parents and carers of children with a disability, it can be challenging to find a restraint that meets their child’s special needs. It’s important however to find the right restraint to reduce the risk of injury to a child in a crash.
The Transportation of Children and Youth with Additional Needs (TOCAN) partnership, has created a website resource to help parents ensure their child is legally and safely restrained, and to assist health practitioners assess children and prescribe modified or specialised restraints.
The site also includes information on funding options for parents and contact details for suppliers. In special circumstances, a child restraint that does not comply with the Australian Standard can be used by children with additional needs so they can be transported safely. In this situation, the child will need an exemption from using a restraint meeting the Australian standard, which can be obtained when a number of conditions are met, such as a medical certificate.
It is important to remember that parents and carers of children with additional needs must consult with a health professional, such as an Occupational Therapist, who will help them choose the most suitable restraint for their child. Health professionals involved in this process use the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4370:2013 (Restraint of Children with Disabilities, or Medical Conditions, in Motor Vehicles) to assist them assess and recommend the most suitable option for restraining a child with additional needs in a car.
TOCAN continue to work on transportation issues related to children, adolescents and youth. It is the goal of TOCAN for young people to travel as safely as possible.
For more information about the transportation of children and youth with additional needs, see the TOCAN website.
It is important that you always wear a seatbelt throughout your pregnancy.
It is illegal not to wear a seatbelt unless a medical practitioner exempts you from wearing one due to medical reasons.
Wearing a seatbelt protects yourself and your unborn baby in the event of a crash. If a seatbelt is worn properly there is very little pressure on your stomach.
Correctly and comfortably wear a seatbelt by:
You shouldn’t drive until your wound has healed (usually about six weeks). Talk with your doctor about when it would be a safe time to start driving again.