What are the penalties for children not being appropriately restrained in a car?
A child under twelve months must legally use a suitably approved child restraint that is properly fastened and adjusted. The Australian Road Rules state that a child aged between 1 and 16 years of age must be seated in an approved child restraint that is properly fastened and adjusted or wear a seatbelt. The penalty for not doing so is $230 and 3 demerit points from the driver’s licence for each unrestrained child. While adult seatbelts can be used for children older than 1 year, the use of more appropriate child restraints is strongly recommended. Children should sit in the rear seat of a vehicle for maximum safety. Under no circumstances should seatbelts be shared. Putting more than one person in a seatbelt is classed as ‘incorrect use’ and is therefore illegal.
