Child restraints

When driving with children up to 7 years of age, you must ensure they are restrained in a properly fastened and adjusted Australian Standard (AS) approved child restraint. Driving includes when the vehicle is moving or stationary (for example, when stopped at traffic lights), but not when parked. Only child restraints that carry the AS sticker have been tested and approved as meeting standard AS/NZS 1754.

Child restraint rules also apply when driving a rental vehicle in Queensland.

Child restraints purchased overseas must not be used in Queensland unless they comply with AS/NZS 1754.

We recommend you use a child restraint that is less than 10 years old. The restraint will have a sticker showing approval and a date stamp for when the restraint was manufactured.

Don't use a child restraint that has been in a crash. If you use a second-hand child restraint, get a copy of the manufacturer's instructions, so you understand how to use it safely.

Penalties

In addition to the safety risks, if a child is not in an approved child restraint that is properly fastened and adjusted, you may be fined $1,209 and incur 4 demerit points for each child that is not properly restrained.

Double demerit points apply for second or subsequent child restraint or seatbelt offences committed within 1 year after an earlier offence.