| 1. What can I do if my child is too big for a booster seat? |
While the new laws aim to cater for the majority of children, a provision
will be included to ensure a child is not required to use a restraint
unsuitable for their height and weight.
A child, who is too heavy for the restraint recommended for their age,
should use a restraint for the next age category (see table below). For
example, if a child is too big for a booster (greater than 26kg), a
seatbelt can be worn or an approved child safety harness can be used in
conjunction with a lap belt or lap/sash seatbelt. In addition there are
products such as SafeFit which can help achieve good seatbelt fit.
| Rear facing child restraint (inbuilt harness) |
Products are available for children up to 9kg or 12kg. |
| Approved child restraint (inbuilt harness) |
Suitable for children up to a maximum weight of 18kg. |
| Approved booster seat(additional child safety harness optional) |
Suitable for children up to a maximum weight of 26kg |
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| 2. If my child is in a booster seat do they also need to be in a child safety harness? |
| Booster seats do not come with a child safety harness. Booster seats are designed to be used with a lap/sash seatbelt. However, if your child is using a seating position fitted with a lap-only belt then they must use a child safety harness.
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| 3. What's the difference between inbuilt harness and a child safety harness? |
| An inbuilt harness is made at the time of manufacture as part of the child restraint. It is suitable for children up to 18kg. There are no inbuilt harnesses available for children over 18kg.
A child safety harness is purchased separately. It is suitable for children
that are between 18kg up to 32kg.
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| 4. Does the booster seat have to be anchored? |
| If the booster seat comes with a tether strap it must be anchored. However, there are some booster seats that meet the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1754) that do not need to be anchored in a vehicle.
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| 5. Is it possible to fit three child restraints across the back seat of my car? |
| There is considerable variation in the types of child restraints and booster seats available. It will depend on the type chosen, as well as the combination of restraints required, and the make and model of your car.
Don't forget - you will also need to find out whether there are enough anchorage points in your vehicle with which to fit the restraints. If you are unsure where the anchorage points are located in your vehicle, refer to the vehicle owner's manual under the section of "Child Restraints" or "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems".
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| 6. If I can't fit my three children in three restraints in the back, is it OK if one sits in the front? |
| Yes. If there are two child restraints or booster seats in the rear and there is not enough space to put a third restraint or booster in the rear seat then a passenger aged four to less than seven years can be in a
booster seat in the front seat. You will need to use a booster seat that does not need to be anchored.
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| 7. Can I still use the additional seat (dickie seat) that I have in the back of my station wagon? |
| Dickie seats will be permitted for use for children aged four and less than seven years provided the seat is suitable for children's height and weight and a lap sash seatbelt or seatbelt with a child safety harness is used.
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| 8. Can I use an integrated booster cushion/seat? |
An integrated (or integral) booster cushion is forward facing and is built into some vehicles by the vehicle manufacturer. The occupant minimum and maximum weight restrictions for integrated booster cushions are specified in the vehicle owner’s manual.
An integrated booster cushion is considered to be an Approved Booster Seat under the Victorian Road Rules (effective 9 November 2009) and is therefore able to be used by a child aged 4 to under 7 years.
For children aged 7 years and over, it is recommended that the child continues to use the integrated booster cushion until they reach the maximum weight restriction as specified in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Note - the integrated booster cushion must comply with clause 34.8 of the Australian Design Rule 34/01 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings to be permitted for use in Victoria. Please refer to your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer to identify if your integrated booster cushion meets these requirements.
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