Child Restraint Laws Update

We have received plenty of queries about the new laws that have already been implemented in Victoria and are about to be in NSW (1 March) and QLD (11 March). The changes are a government inititaive to standardise the laws nationally and maximise the safety of children in cars. Here are some of the questions and our responses.

Question

My child is 7 years old, do she need to be in a child restraint?

Answer

Legally no, it’s all children 6 years and under that need to be in an approved child restraint. However, it is safer to have them in a restraint for as long as possible, so that the seatbelt fits them properly.

Question

What is ISOFIX and is it legal in Australia?

Answer

ISOFIX is an international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in cars. With the ISOFIX system child seats are always correctly fitted. Given that a large percent of seats in Australia are fitted incorrectly (according to the RTA) this system has its advantages. ISOFIX is not legal in Australia and has created very heated debates with manufacturers who support the system and the authorities who make the decisions around child car safety.

Question

Does a child in a booster seat need an H harness?

Answer

No. You can use the adult seatbelt.

Question

Can I use my child seat that I bought overseas?

Answer

Only if it complies with the Australian Standards.

Question

Do the half booster seats (base only) comply with the new laws?

Answer

Yes. The laws apply to the ages children are required in a specific restraint style, not the actual restraint.

Question

My Volvo has built in booster seats are these legal?

Answer

Yes as they elevate the child so that the seat belt fits them properly.

Question

Is there a risk with buying a child seat on websites such as eBay?

Answer

Yes. There have been 2 cases where a seller has been providing child seats that to not comply to the Australia Standards.

Question

Is there a risk with buying a used child seat?

Answer

Yes. It may have been involved in an accident and the structural rigidity may have been compromised. It may also be an old model that is not as safe as the newer one.

Question

Will the government be subsidising the purchase of new restraints so that I can now meet the laws?

Answer

Not to our knowledge at this stage.