Child Restraints - ACT Child Restraint Laws - FAQ's

Will the new child restraint laws apply if I travel interstate?
What is an 'approved' child restraint or booster seat?
What if my child is too big for a booster seat?
What if my child is too big for a child restraint with an in-built harness?
When the new child restraint laws are introduced, will I still be able to carry children in the additional seat (dickie seat) installed in the back of my station wagon?
Can I use an integrated booster cushion/ seat?
What is the difference between an in-built harness and a child safety harness?
If my child is in a booster seat do they also need to be in a child safety harness?
Is it possible to fit three child restraints across the back seat of my car?
Can a child restraint be fitted in the front seat of a van or utility?
Do we need a child restraint in a taxi?

Will the new child restraint laws apply if I travel interstate?
When travelling interstate with children under the age of 7 years, it is important to check whether the State or Territory has introduced the new nationally agreed child restraint laws:

If you are travelling in these States with children under 7 years, you will need to comply with the new child restraint rules, as there is no exemption for visiting drivers from States and Territories that have not yet introduced the new child restraint rules.

What is an 'approved' child restraint or booster seat?
Approved child restraints and booster seats are those that meet the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1754. This should be clearly stated on the child restraint or booster seat and on the packaging. Child restraints and booster seats from overseas do not usually comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1754. If there is no label or sticker on the child restraint or booster seat stating that it complies with AS/NZS 1754, it is not an approved restraint and cannot be used in Australia.

What if my child is too big for a booster seat?
While the new child restraint laws aim to cater for the majority of children, a provision will be included to ensure a child is not required to use a restraint that is unsuitable for their height and weight.

A child who is too heavy for the child restraint recommended for their age should use a restraint for the next age category. For example, if a child between 4 years and under 7 years of age is too heavy (greater than 26kg) for a booster seat, the rules allow a suitable seatbelt to be used.

What if my child is too big for a child restraint with an in-built harness?
If a child between 6 months and under 4 years of age is too heavy (greater than 18kg) for a child restraint with an in-built harness, the rules allow a booster seat with a lap/sash seatbelt to be used.

When the new child restraint laws are introduced, will I still be able to carry children in the additional seat (dickie seat) installed in the back of my station wagon?
Yes, dickie seats will be permitted for use by children aged between 4 years and less than 7 years provided the seat is suitable for the child's height and weight and a lap/sash seatbelt or a lap-only seatbelt with a child safety harness is used. This exemption for dickie seats has been nationally agreed.

Can I use an integrated booster cushion/ seat?
An integrated (or integral) booster cushion is forward facing and is built into some vehicles by the vehicle manufacturer. The occupant minimum and maximum weight restrictions for integrated booster cushions are specified in the vehicle owner's manual.

An integrated booster cushion will be considered to be an Approved Booster Seat under the ACT's road transport laws and will therefore be able to be used by a child aged 4 years to under 7 years. For children aged 7 years and over, it is recommended that the child continues to use the integrated booster cushion until he or she reaches the maximum weight restriction as specified in the vehicle owner's manual.

Note: The integrated booster cushion must comply with clause 34.8 of the Australian Design Rule 34/01 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings to be permitted for use in the ACT.

What is the difference between an in-built harness and a child safety harness?
An in-built harness is made at the time of manufacture as part of the child restraint. It is suitable for children up to 18kg. There are no in-built harnesses available for children over 18kg. A child safety harness is purchased separately. It is suitable for children that are between 14kg and 32kg.

If my child is in a booster seat do they also need to be in a child safety harness?
Booster seats do not come with a child safety harness. Booster seats are designed to be used with a lap/sash seatbelt. However, if your child is using a seating position fitted with a lap-only seatbelt then they must use a child safety harness.

For a child sitting in a booster seat in a seating position with a lap/sash seatbelt, the new laws allow an approved child safety harness to be used to restrain the upper body of the child, instead of using the sash part of the seatbelt.

Is it possible to fit three child restraints across the back seat of my car?
There is considerable variation in the types of child restraints and booster seats available. It will depend on the type chosen, as well as the combination of restraints required, and the make and model of your car. You will also need to find out whether there are enough anchorage points in your vehicle with which to fit the restraints. If you are unsure where the anchorage points are located in your vehicle, refer to the vehicle owner's manual under the section of 'Child Restraints' or 'Child Restraint Anchorage Systems'.

Can a child restraint be fitted in the front seat of a van or utility?
It is legal to fit a child restraint in the front of a van or utility provided there is a seatbelt and a child restraint anchorage point available. If there is a passenger airbag in the seating position occupied by the child, you must not use a rearward facing infant restraint.

Do we need a child restraint in a taxi?
By law, taxi drivers do not have to provide child restraints or booster seats. However, they must ensure there is at least one anchor fitting ready for passengers who wish to supply their own. If you can, take your child's restraint with you.