Child Restraint Laws NT

The NT Government (NTG) has supported the national adoption of new child restraint laws. In giving its support the NTG recognised that there are a number of issues to be resolved during the development of the new law. These include the availability of restraints in remote communities, and education on the importance of using seatbelts when travelling in a vehicle and using appropriate seats and restraints for babies and children.

There has been a national process leading up to the acceptance of this new road rule by Transport Ministers and the Department will make information available to the community when the new road rule is ready for introduction in the Territory.

In the meantime, it is strongly recommended that the new laws which are already operational in Victoria and New South Wales are adhered too where possible, these include rules for:

• Children Under 6 months: an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, rear facing child restraint.

• Between 6 months and under 4 years: an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, rear facing child restraint OR a forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness.

• Between 4 years and under 7 years: an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness OR a properly positioned approved booster seat and a seatbelt that is properly adjusted and fastened.

• Where children can sit in vehicles: If a vehicle has two or more rows of seats, then children under 4 years must not travel in the front seat. If a vehicle has two or more rows of seats, then children aged between 4 years and under 7 years may travel in the front seat using an approved booster seat and a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt if all other seats are being used by children under 7 years.

For further advice on fitting, contact NT Kidsafe on 8985 1085 or email at nt@kidsafe.com.au