Child restraints
-
Can I buy a second-hand child restraint?
It’s okay to buy a second-hand restraint, but you can’t guarantee that it’s completely safe, or that it hasn’t been involved in a crash.
If you’re going to purchase one, check the following:- Does it comply to Australian Standard 1754?
- Over time, plastic and fittings used on restraints can deteriorate, so look for one that’s under 10 years old. Plus, the newer it is, the more likely it is to comply to more recent safety standards.
- Look for signs of wear, like cracks, fading, frayed straps or parts that don’t work.
- Do you know the person selling the restraint? We recommend buying from a reliable source.
- Does it comply to Australian Standard 1754?
-
What are the shoulder height markers on my restraint for?
Shoulder height markers are labels on child restraint covers that determine what size child the restraint is approved for and in what mode.
Shoulder height markers are a requirement, not just a recommendation, as they are set by the Australian child restraint Standard (ASNZS1754). Failing to use a restraint in line with these markers means you’re not using the restraint as specified, which could see you incur a fine and demerit points as well as put the child at risk in the event of a crash.You can check out our Shoulder Height Markers Fact Sheet in the related links section below.
-
My car doesn’t have anchorage points – what do I do?
As part of Australian Design Rules, cars sold in Australia must have child restraint anchorage points. However, if your vehicle is older or is classified as a commercial vehicle, it may not include them. The following list shows you when the change was implemented for each type of vehicle:
- Sedans from July 1976
- Station wagons from January 1977
- Hatchbacks after January 1977
- Light passenger vans (up to 12 seats) from January 1986
- Four-wheel drives after July 1990.
Commercial vehicles – like vans and utes – aren’t required to have anchorage points, although some will have them these days.
If your car doesn’t have anchorage points, you can get them fitted by specialist businesses, such as:
Brazier Mobility
8 Barfield Cres, Edinburgh North
https://www.braziermobility.com.au/
Willshire Mobility
4 Deacon Ave, Richmond
https://www.willshire.com.au/ -
Do I need to replace my child restraint if I’ve been in a crash?
Regardless of whether a child was in the restraint at the time of crash or not, or whether damage is obvious or not, the Australian Standard advises you to destroy the entire restraint if it’s been involved in a severe crash. So what’s considered severe? Essentially, if the main body structure (the chassis) of the vehicle is distorted in any way. If this is the case, then the child restraint must not be used any further. Talk to the insurance assessor or crash repairer to help you make the assessment.
-
Can I put my child in the front seat of my car?
By law, any child under 4 must be seated in the rear of the vehicle, where it has 2 or more rows of seats. Kids aged between 4 and 7 can sit up front, but only if all the rear seats are taken by other children up to the same age.
If it’s not possible to fit another child restraint between 2 others, then a child between 4 and 7 can go up front, but they still need to be in an appropriate restraint that is fitted correctly. Most restraints require an anchorage point, which is not available in the front so it may not be possible to do so. Alternatively, if you only have 1 row of seats, a child can be in this row provided they’re correctly restrained.Rearward facing restraints must not be used in a front row position fitted with an airbag. Most vehicle manufacturers warn against placing children under the age of 12 in these positions as the airbags are designed for the safety of adults.
-
I have an old car that doesn’t have seatbelts. Can my kids travel in it?
Although an exemption exists for some passengers travelling in vehicles without seatbelts, children under the age of 7 aren’t allowed to travel in a vehicle without seatbelts. If a child is required to travel in such a vehicle, then seatbelts and possibly anchorage points (depending on the child restraint being used) will need to be fitted.
-
Can RAA recycle my old child seat?
Yes. You can drop your old child seat at the Mile End Child Safety Centre for recycling. There's a cost of $5 per seat, but members will receive a $5 gift voucher to use on their next child restraint purchase.
