Driving with children can be a stressful experience for parents, especially when it comes to making sure they are safely secured in the car. In NSW, there are specific guidelines in place for when a child can sit in the front seat, so it is important to be aware of the rules before taking to the road.
NSW Guidelines for Children in the Front Seat
In New South Wales, the regulations around when a child can sit in the front seat are laid out in the Road Rules 2014. This states that children up to the age of 7 must be secured in a child restraint appropriate for their age and size when traveling in a vehicle.
Children aged 7 and over are permitted to travel in the front seat, but only if the vehicle is fitted with a lap-sash seatbelt and the child is using it correctly. It is important to note that if the vehicle has two or more rows of seats, children aged 7 and over must still use the back seat.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat?
In NSW, a child can sit in the front seat of a car once they turn 7 years old, provided the vehicle is fitted with a lap-sash seatbelt and the child is using it correctly. It is important to note that if the vehicle has two or more rows of seats, children aged 7 and over must still use the back seat.
It is also important to be aware that the laws around child restraints can vary from state to state, so it is important to check the relevant regulations in your area before taking to the road.
Making sure your children are safely secured in the car is a priority for any parent, so it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your area. In NSW, a child can sit in the front seat of a car once they turn 7 years old, provided the vehicle is fitted with a lap-sash seatbelt and the child is using it correctly. However, it is important to check the relevant regulations in your area before taking to the road.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat Nsw
In NSW, children aged 12 and under must use approved child restraints when travelling in a vehicle. Where this is not possible, such as in a taxi cab, children must travel in the back seat. According to the rules of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999, the only exception to this is that a child aged between 4 and 11 may be allowed to travel in the front seat, providing they either:
1. Use an adult seatbelt, or
2. Use a booster seat, with a properly adjusted and securely fitted seatbelt.
In NSW, a child can use an adult seatbelt once they are at least 145cm tall. Lower than this, the best and safest way for a child to travel in the front is on a booster seat with a properly adjusted and securely fitted seatbelt. A booster seat is sized to boost the child to a height that enables a proper fit of the adult belt across them.
Both parents and caregivers should be aware of the advice and regulations relating to when a child can occupy the front seat. This includes being aware whether the car has a suitable form of restraint or booster seat suitable for the child and correctly installed in the car.
Caregivers should also ensure that all children travel in a suitable restraint at all times, regardless of their height.
If you have any queries about when a child can sit in the front seat of a car, it’s best to speak with a licensed car restrainer to ensure you are confident your children are as safe as possible one travelling in a vehicle.