When can a child stop using a car seat in Australia?

In all Australian states and territories, children must use an approved child restraint or booster seat until at least 7 years of age. From age 7, they can use an adult seatbelt if it fits correctly. Safety experts recommend continuing with a booster seat until the child is about 145cm tall.

When can a child sit in the front seat in Australia?

Children under 4 cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats. Children aged 4 to under 7 can only sit in the front if all rear seats are already occupied by children younger than 7. These rules apply in all states and territories.

Do car seat laws apply in taxis and Ubers in Australia?

Children under 1 must not travel in the front seat of a taxi or ride-share in any state. Children over 1 may travel in the back of a taxi without a child restraint if one is not available, but must wear a seatbelt. However, it is always safest to use a restraint — some parents carry a portable booster seat for taxis.

What is the fine for not using a child car seat in Australia?

Fines vary by state, ranging from about $344 in Tasmania to $600 in Western Australia. Most states also impose 3 demerit points (WA imposes 4). The driver is legally responsible for ensuring all passengers under 16 are correctly restrained.

child car seat laws in Australia

by william samuels·9 april 2026

william is a road safety researcher and father of three from Sydney. he writes about child passenger safety and transport policy.

Australian law requires children to use approved child restraints until at least 7 years of age. the rules are broadly the same nationwide — based on the Australian Road Rules — but fines, demerit points and some specifics vary by state and territory.

below is the national framework, followed by state-by-state details including fines, taxi exemptions, and the rules specific to where you live.

the 4 stages of child car restraints

rear-facing

birth to at least 6 months

all babies must travel in a rear-facing child restraint from birth. in most states, they must stay rear-facing until at least 6 months of age. rear-facing is the safest position for infants because it supports the head, neck, and spine in a crash.

forward-facing with harness

6 months to at least 4 years

once a child outgrows their rear-facing seat (typically around 6–12 months, depending on the seat's limits), they can move to a forward-facing restraint with an internal harness. children must stay in a forward-facing child restraint with harness until at least 4 years of age.

booster seat

4 years to at least 7 years

from 4 years of age, children can move to a booster seat that uses the vehicle's seatbelt. they must use a booster seat until at least 7 years of age. booster seats raise the child so the seatbelt sits correctly across their shoulder and hips.

adult seatbelt only

7 years and over (when tall enough)

children aged 7 and over can use a regular adult seatbelt without a booster seat, provided the seatbelt fits correctly. the shoulder strap should sit across the middle of the shoulder (not the neck), and the lap belt should be low and firm across the hips. most experts recommend staying in a booster until about 145cm tall.

car seat laws by state

New South WalesNSW

fine: $365·3 demerit points

VictoriaVIC

fine: $397·3 demerit points

QueenslandQLD

fine: $433·3 demerit points

Western AustraliaWA

fine: $600·4 demerit points

South AustraliaSA

fine: $402·3 demerit points

TasmaniaTAS

fine: $344·3 demerit points

Australian Capital TerritoryACT

fine: $359·3 demerit points

Northern TerritoryNT

fine: $500·3 demerit points

quick reference: fines by state

state	fine	demerits
NSW	$365	3 demerit points
VIC	$397	3 demerit points
QLD	$433	3 demerit points
WA	$600	4 demerit points
SA	$402	3 demerit points
TAS	$344	3 demerit points
ACT	$359	3 demerit points
NT	$500	3 demerit points

ISOFIX: what it is and whether you need it

ISOFIX is a standardised system that clicks a child restraint directly into anchor points built into the vehicle. it makes installation simpler and reduces the chance of incorrect fitting.

ISOFIX is not mandatory in Australia — seatbelt installation remains legal and, when done correctly, is equally safe. however, all new cars sold in Australia since 2014 must have at least two ISOFIX anchor points.

if your vehicle has ISOFIX points and your restraint supports it, it is generally the easier and more reliable installation method.

Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754

all child restraints used in Australia must comply with Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754. look for the standards sticker on the restraint — it will say "AS/NZS 1754" and include the year of manufacture.

expiry: child restraints have a lifespan of approximately 10 years from the date of manufacture. after this, the plastic and materials may degrade. always check the expiry date on the sticker and do not use a restraint past its use-by date.

second-hand seats: only use a second-hand restraint if you know its full history — it has not been in a crash, is within its expiry date, and has all original labels and harnesses intact.

related guides

immunisation schedule

every vaccine from birth to 4 years — the complete Australian schedule.

child care subsidy 2026

CCS rates, income thresholds, and how to apply.

this guide is for informational purposes only. car seat laws are based on publicly available information from state and territory transport authorities and were accurate at the time of writing. fines and demerit points may change — always check your state transport authority for the latest rules. mini mode is not affiliated with any government agency.