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car seat law checker — is my child legal? (Australia)

enter your child's age and height, where they're sitting, and whether they're in a taxi. we'll tell you exactly what seat they need and whether your current setup is legal under Australian Road Rule 266.

last verified: 23 April 2026

months

a 5 year old is 60 months. for infants under 1, enter exact months (e.g. 8).

cm

only relevant for children 7 years and older — 145cm is the legal minimum for adult seatbelts.

age rules are national — fines vary by state.

where is your child sitting?

this calculator provides estimates based on published government rates and formulas. your actual entitlement may vary based on your full circumstances. always check with Services Australia for a precise figure.

how the rules work: Australian Road Rule 266 applies nationally. states and territories can add rules, but the age-based minimums are the same everywhere. all restraints must comply with AS/NZS 1754.

sources: Australian Road Rules, Kidsafe Australia, state transport authorities (Transport for NSW, Department of Transport VIC, TMR QLD, etc.).

professional fitting: Kidsafe and authorised restraint fitters can check your installation. book via kidsafe.com.au — even correctly chosen restraints are often installed incorrectly.

this tool gives a clear verdict based on the age-based rules. it does not replace fitment checking. always have new restraints professionally checked and re-check after moving vehicles.