When Are Child Restraints Required?

When can a child switch from an anchored child seat harness to a booster seat? When are children allowed to use a front seat, and what type of restraints meet the regulations? These are some of the questions often asked by parents and grandparents.

The rules for child safety restraint in cars vary by state but we summarise the main requirements here.

Special booster seat using car seatbelt for 7 years or older, smaller children

Anchored child seat with harness

• Under 6 months age to be rear facing capsule.

• After 6 months old, up to 7 years, forward facing anchored seat with harness.

Booster Seat with Car Seatbelt

• From 7 years of age, but preferably if child at least 145cm tall, booster seat with car seatbelt.

• Best practice checks to safely use booster seats:

  • Can they sit with their entire back against the seat back with their knees comfortably bent over the seat edge? eg legs long enough.

  • Does the lap belt sit low across the hips and touch the thighs?

  • Does the shoulder sash of the seatbelt sit across the middle of the shoulder, not on the neck, or across the arm?

  • Is the child mature enough or well-behaved enough to stay in the correct seating position for duration of the trip?

Special Booster for Smaller Children

• If child is over 7 years but too small for standard booster with car seatbelt, per above checks, use a special booster possibly up to 10 years of age.

When can Kids Sit in Front Seat?

• Generally, from 7 years of age.

• Under 7 years of age only if no rear seat, eg sports car, or all rear seats used by other children under 7 years, and child in front seat is in a properly fitted child seat eg top tether with harness.

• Under 6 months old, in rear facing capsule, but only if no passenger airbag.

Real Purpose of “Baby on Board” Signs

Baby on Board signs in cars are not to alert emergency personnel to search accident vehicles for children, as we are assured standard emergency training includes checking vehicles for occupants in all circumstances.

Therefore, the signs are simply to let fellow motorists know you have “precious cargo” on board.