Kidsafe NSW - Road Safety - Child Restraints

Passenger Safety

Motor Vehicles accidents are the cause of the highest numbers of deaths in children aged between 0 and 14 years and are the second highest cause of hospital admissions.

Whenever children are passengers in a vehicle they should be seated in the most appropriate child restraint for their age and size.

To provide the best protection for your child in a motor vehicle, there are a number if simple principles you should follow:

Always choose, correctly fit and use the restraint most appropriate to your child’s age and size.
Use a restraint which has been approved to the Australian Standards.
Place your child in an appropriate child restraint for every single journey.
Second hand restraint should be used with caution. You should be aware of the history of the restraint and be sure that the restraint has all the appropriate fittings. Any restraint that is more than 10 years old should not be used.
Children are safest when travelling in the rear of the vehicle.
Do not move your child to the next restraint before they are ready.

Visit the CREP website for help in choosing child restraints and advice on how to use them safely. The CREP website:

provides safety ratings for rearward- and forward-facing restraints and booster seats
has video examples on how child restraints are tested
includes statistical facts, Frequently Asked Questions and where families can get help
is supported by the RTA's NSW Centre for Road Safety and other motoring organisations

Child Restraints

Regulations on child restraints have commenced in NSW. For further information please click here.

For information on child restraint laws across Australia please click here.

Kidsafe NSW receives many enquiries regarding child restraints. Click here for the 'Frequently Asked Questions' information sheet.

Authorised RTA Fitters

It is very important that your child’s restraint is fitted correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting the restraint. If you are unsure or would like your restraint checked you can contact an RTA Authorised Restraint Fitter in your area. You can call the RTA Enquiry Line on 13 22 13 or click here for a list of RTA approved fitting stations.

Choosing a Child Restraint

Recently completed research into child passenger safety shows that children are being moved from the appropriate restraint before they are ready. For up to date information on the selection and use of the most appropriate restraint for your child please click here.

RTA Guide on Safer Child Restraints

The RTA has released a guide to buying and using child restraints. Please click here to download the most recent brochure.

For more information about child passenger safety you can visit the following websites:

You can also request a free child road safety enquiry package from Kidsafe NSW by calling (02) 9845 0890 or by emailing the Road Safety Coordinator

This web page has been developed as part of the Child Road Safety Initiative, funded by the Motor Accidents Authority and based at Kidsafe NSW.