Child Car Seats: Compliance and Installation Basics

The Age-Based Requirements

Victorian law requires children under six months to be in a rear-facing approved child restraint. From six months to under four years, a rear or forward-facing approved restraint with an in-built harness is required. From four to under seven years, a forward-facing restraint with an in-built harness, or an approved booster seat, is required.

The Australian Standard

Any child restraint used must meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754 — look for the standards mark on the seat itself. Restraints purchased overseas often don't meet this standard and shouldn't be used, even if compliant with a different country's rules.

Installation Points

Most modern cars have ISOFIX anchor points and a top tether anchor specifically designed for child restraint installation — using these correctly, rather than only the seatbelt, generally provides a more secure and consistent installation.

Common Installation Mistakes

A harness that's too loose (should allow only one or two fingers between harness and child), a top tether that isn't properly attached or tensioned, and an incorrect recline angle for rear-facing seats are among the most common issues found on a proper check.

For more on keeping your car's other safety systems in check, see our chapter on brakes, pads, rotors and calipers explained.