All States and Territories in Australia have agreed to adopt a new set of laws regarding the use of child restraints in motor vehicles.

The new laws as recommended by the National Transport Commission are as follows;


Children aged under six months must wear an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, rear-facing child restraint.

Children aged between six months and under four years must wear an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, rear facing child restraint OR a forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness.

Children aged between four years and under seven years must wear an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness OR an approved booster seat which is properly positioned and fastened.


As the laws are state based, they may slightly differ to these recommendations and one another, so we suggest you use the relevant links below to get the correct information for your state.

Updated March 2011



Victoria has been enforcing the new laws from November 9th, 2009.

Useful links: VicRoads Road Rules Site.



Tasmania has been enforcing the new laws from November 30th, 2010.

Useful Links: Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources Child Restraints Page



Queensland has been enforcing the new laws from March 11th, 2010.

Useful Links: Transport & Main Roads Q&A Sheet, Transport & Main Roads Child Restraint Laws Page



South Australia has been enforcing the new laws from July 1st, 2010.

Useful Links: Dept. Transport Road Safety Page



New South Wales has been enforcing the new laws from March 1st, 2010.

Useful Links: RTA Press Release, RTA Choosing the Right Child Restraint Guide



The ACT has been enforcing the new laws from 15 March, 2011.

Useful Links: Territory & Municipal Services Road Rules Page



Western Australia's has been enforcing the new laws from 1st October, 2010

Useful Links: Office of Road Safety Road Rules Page



The Northern Territory does not yet have a confirmed date for the enforcement of the new laws.

Useful Links: Northern Territory Transport Group - no information as yet.