Children are best protected when they are in the correct child car seat for their size and age. 

Child restraints must meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754, to be approved. 

It is recommended that child car seats are fitted by an authorised restraint fitter or at an authorised restraint fitting station. Child car seats must be properly fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The correct use of a child car restraint reduces the risk of death in a motor vehicle accident by up to 75%. 

Guidelines for the use of child restraints and seatbelts are based on age, size, and weight. The types of restraints include:

• rear-facing child car seat or baby capsule
• forward-facing child car seat or baby car seat
• inbuilt harness
• booster seat
• anchored safety harness
• seatbelt.

In NSW children under 7-years old must use an approved suitable child restraint when traveling in a vehicle. If a child is 7-years or older, they can wear a seatbelt, however, the suggested minimum height to use a regular seatbelt is 145cm. If a 7-year old child does not meet the minimum height requirements an approved booster seat or anchored safety harness must be used.  

Children under 7-years old should not sit in the front seat of a vehicle, some exceptions are permitted.

For more information on child car seat rules and exemptions visit the NSW Child car seat website.