Confused by the requirements for how to restrain children in the car? It can be quite daunting and sometimes hard to get accurate information regarding child restraints and the legal requirements for car seats.
So let us break it down for you.
Under the NSW Road Rules 2014 you must restrain a child as follows:
Age Type of restraint
0-6 months Approved rear facing restraint
6 months to 4 years Rear or forward-facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness
4 years to 7 years Forward-facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat
7 years plus (145cm or shorter) It is strongly recommended to use an approved booster seat
7 years plus (145cm or taller) Adult lap-sash seatbelt
Additional requirements for the above approved restraints are that they must be properly adjusted and fastened. This means you can be fined for not having your car seat properly fitted.
The penalty for having an incorrectly or unrestrained passenger in your vehicle is 3 Demerit points and a fine of $344.00.
It is important to note that while the above are in place and age specific, if your child is too big or too small for the restraint for their age group, it may be necessary for them to use the restraint suitable to their size, not age.
It is also an offence to have a child between the age of 4 and 7 to travel in the front seat of a vehicle, unless the back seats are taken by children that are younger than them.
At Everingham Solomons we have the experience and expertise to assist you because Helping You is Our Business.
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