It is an offence to drive while not wearing your seatbelt or to permit passengers under the age of 16 to travel in your car without seatbelts.
The driver of a motor vehicle (except a bus or motor bike) that is moving, or is stationary but not parked, must ensure that this rule is complied with for each passenger in or on the vehicle who is under 16 years old.
If a passenger over the age of 16 is found to be not wearing a seatbelt then that passenger is breaking the law and can be fined seperately.
The following requirements apply whenever children are travelling in a vehicle.
- Every child under the age of one year must be restrained in a suitable, approved child restraint
- Children over the age of one but under the age of 16 must be restrained in either a suitable approved child restraint or seat belt
- The child restraints and seatbelts the children are using must be properly fastened and adjusted.
In particular, a child must NEVER be put into a seatbelt with an adult or another child because seatbelt is designed for the use of one person. Remember, children are much safer in the back.
It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure all children travelling in the vehicle are correctly restrained in a suitable approved child restraint which is properly fastened and adjusted, or occupy a seating position fitted with a suitable seatbelt and wear the seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened, even for short trips.
Failure to comply with the requirements is a serious offence and you are liable for a substantial fine as well as demerit points.
For more information, including a guide to appropriate child restraints for different weights and age ranges, visit the Territory and Municipal Services website. For information about the different types of child restraining devices available visit the Kidsafe website. Before purchasing a restraint, always check to make sure it is suitable for your child and vehicle.