New Baby Car Seat Laws NSW

Written by Olivia Richardson: 12-February-2010

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New baby car restraint laws will come into effect from 1 March this year in NSW.

Until now, only children aged under one year had to sit in child restraint seats, but new laws have them in restraints/booster seats until age seven.

Babies 6 months and under will now be legally required to sit in a rearward-facing seat restraint only.

Babies 6 months - 4 years: rearward- or forward-facing restraint only. (Only switch to a forward-facing restraint when baby doesn't fit in a rearward-facing restraint anymore.)

4 -7 years: must sit in a forward-facing child seat or booster seat. (Only move them to booster seat when they no longer fit into a forward-facing restraint.)

Sitting in front seat: Children younger than four years old can't travel in the front seat of a vehicle if there's more than one row of seats - even if they're large enough to fit in a booster seat.

Children aged 4 - under 7 years can't sit in the front row of a vehicle that has more than one row of seats unless the other rows are occupied by younger children in an approved child restraint.

If the car has one row of seats (e.g. single cab ute or sports car with a front anchorage point), a child of any age can sit in the front seat provided they're properly restrained. However, most car manufacturers recommend against the use of rearward facing restraints in front passenger seats.

Note: you can only fit a booster seat in the front row of a vehicle if that booster seat doesn't require a top tether strap. Answers to FAQs here.

Why new laws?

In NSW there have been around 10 deaths of children under seven, and around 480 injuries from cars each year.

"National statistics are horrific with up to 80 children killed and almost 4000 injured each year," says NSW Premier Nathan Rees.

"Currently it is only compulsory for children up to the age of one to travel in approved baby capsules or seats which contain their own restraints.

"Research shows that younger children using adult seatbelts greatly increase their risk of injury. 

"For around $100 for a booster seat, families can reduce the risks and even save lives," he says.

More info

There's more info. available for parents with the 'Safer Child Restraints Guide'  from the RTA.

"This brochure provides guidelines for parents to follow when buying a restraint and information about the level of safety and ease of use," says NSW Transport Minister David Campbell.

"It also includes a list of approved restraints as well as information on the ease of use of infant, young child restraints and booster seats.

" The guide is available from motor registries, RTA Customer Service Enquiry on 13 22 13 or www.rta.nsw.gov.au