Research has shown that the majority of parents choose the correct restraints for their children, but many children start to use adult seat belts too early, which results in injuries to children in accidents.
From the 15th of March, 2011, drivers that fail to ensure the safety of children under 7 in an appropriately fastened restraint can be fined $284 and 3 demerit points.
On the 15th of March, 2011, Mandatory child restraint laws commenced in the ACT for children under seven years of age.
Children under 4 years of age cannot travel in the front passenger seat if the vehicle has two or more rows of seating. Children aged between 4 and 7 are not able to sit in the front passenger seat if the vehicle has two or more rows of seating. The only acceptance is if all other seating is taken by children under 7 years. The child must use an approved and properly fastened booster seat in this situation.
To be sure you’ve done everything possible to keep your child safe, make sure you have your child restraint fitted by an Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Station.