Travelling as a family is a great way to enjoy new experiences together, but when the kids come along, their safety is the top priority. Child car seat laws in Australia set out clear legal requirements by age, and getting it wrong carries real penalties: expiation fees and demerit points, on top of the safety risk itself.
Here’s an overview of the national rules, plus what changes once your child grows out of the standard brackets.
The 4 Age Brackets for Child Car Seat Laws in Australia
Up to 6 months
Babies under six months must be secured in an approved rearward-facing restraint designed specifically for infants. Double-check everything is fastened correctly before you start driving.
6 months to 4 years
Children in this bracket must be secured in a rear- or forward-facing restraint with an inbuilt harness, approved for use. Children under four cannot travel in the front seat of any vehicle with two or more rows.
4 to 7 years
Your child must be in a forward-facing restraint with an inbuilt harness, or an approved booster seat used with an adjustable lap-and-sash seatbelt. The restraint must suit their size, not just their age.
7 to 16 years
Children who can’t yet be properly restrained by a regular seatbelt are strongly advised to keep using an approved booster seat. The back seat remains the safest spot for children when the vehicle has two or more rows.
If Your Child Doesn’t Fit the Standard Seat
Before driving anywhere, children must be securely fastened in an approved seat. If your child is too big for their age-appropriate seat, they can move up to the next category. If they’re too small, keep them in their current restraint until they safely fit the next size up — age alone isn’t the deciding factor.
Some States Go Beyond Age 7: The Height Rule
Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia have updated their guidance so children stay in a booster seat until they reach 145cm tall, rather than automatically moving to a regular seatbelt at age 7. The reasoning: adult lap-sash belts are designed for someone at least 145cm tall, and most children don’t reach that height until 8 or older. If you’re driving across state lines with kids, it’s worth following the height guideline rather than the age one, regardless of which state you’re in.
Approved Child Car Seat Restraints
By law, every child car seat or booster must carry the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754 label. This confirms the seat has met strict safety testing and is approved for use on Australian roads — seats that don’t comply, including ones bought overseas, are illegal to use here.
Renting a Car With Kids in Perth
If you’re hiring a car for a family trip, child seats and booster seats can be added when you book — just let the team know your child’s age so you get the right size. Travelling with more than one child seat, or a larger group? A van or minibus gives everyone more room, and our guide on which vehicle suits your Perth trip covers family-friendly options in more detail.
Child Car Seat Laws in Australia FAQs
What age 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. Children aged 7 and over may sit in the front, though research shows the back seat is safer for children under 12.
Do all Australian states have the same child car seat laws?
The core age-based rules are national, but Victoria, NSW and South Australia now recommend a 145cm height-based rule for booster seats rather than a strict age-7 cutoff. Always check the current rules for the state you’re driving in.
What’s the penalty for not using an approved child car seat?
Penalties include expiation fees and demerit points, and vary by state. Beyond the legal risk, an improperly restrained child faces a significantly higher risk of injury in a crash.
Can I bring my own car seat when hiring a car?
Yes, most hire companies allow you to bring your own approved seat, or you can request one be provided — with Ace Rent A Car, just specify your child’s age when booking so the right size is ready for pick-up.
Is a booster seat required until age 7 or until 145cm?
Nationally, the rule is age 7. Victoria, NSW and South Australia now recommend keeping a child in a booster until they reach 145cm tall, since that’s the height adult seatbelts are designed to fit properly.
Ready to Book Your Family Trip?
With the right restraint sorted, travelling with kids in Perth is easy. Get a quote and hire a car in Perth with Ace Rent A Car, or contact us if you have questions about child seat options.