Child Restraint Laws WA

New Child Restraint Laws in WA, effective since October the first, 2010, requires drivers to ensure the safety of children up to seven years old to be properly seated in an Australian Standards approved restraint.

If the vehicle's driver does not uphold the following regulations the can be fined $500 for one improperly restrained occupant and an extra $100 per additional unrestrained passenger. The driver will also lose 4 demerit points.

These new regulations will help to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths of children in car accidents. The regulations specifically state what restraint should be used in accordance with the user’s age.

• Children 0 to 6 months must be seated in a rearward-facing child restraint with an attached in harness. They are never permitted to be in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seating.
  
• Children 6 months to 4 years need to be seated in a rearward facing or forward facing child restraint with an attached harness. They are never permitted to be in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seating.
  
• Children 4 to 7 years need to be seated in a forward facing child restraint with an attached harness or an approved booster seat with a standard seatbelt or an attached harness. If this child sits in the front passenger seat they must be in an Australian Standards approved restraint or booster seat. They are not permitted to be in the front passenger seat unless all seats are taken by children who are also under the age of 7.

If your child is under the weight and size guidelines keep them in their current restraint until they need to move up. If your child is over the weight and size guidelines you can move them up into the next sized restraint.

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.