Was just wondering if anyone knows the laws regarding baby and child car seats in Australia? Similar to here? Are cars over there fitted with the ISOFIX system? Have those of you who are out there taken your car seats with you, or bought new? Would be grateful for any advice anyone could offer....
All child restraints used in Australia must comply with current Australian standards - one of the main features of which is the use of a rear strap to an anchor point. Australian child restraint standards are some of the most stringent in the world and most overseas child restraints do not comply with these standards and cannot legally be used in Australia - this includes restraints from countries such as the UK and USA. It is advisable to hire a child restraint in Australia from a reputable hire service (see section above) rather than bringing your own from overseas.
Note the following added June 2005
Standards Australia has tightened the Australian Standard® for child restraints following concerns around the need to improve the safety of children during a side impact collision.
The revised Australian Standard® for child restraints, AS/NZS 1754 Child restraints for use in motor vehicles, was published in November 2004 and includes the requirements for more rigorous side impact testing.
The two new systems likely to be approved for the new Australian standard are the European ISOfix system, which clips the child seat rigidly in place via snap connectors at the base of the seat - particularly useful in side impacts - and a more flexible US "Latch" tether system. Both require top tether straps to further control child seat movement.
Warning
• Each child restraint must be correctly installed and it must have the Standards Australia mark.
I haven't looked into this since 2005, so not sure how much it has changed, although I am aware that some cars are now being sold that have the ISOfix system.
I don't how how strict the police are on the seats having the "Standards Australia mark", but in the event of a serious accident, the law could become a problem if it didn't comply ?
Great topic, has been playing on my mind for a while. Are you able to get taxi's with car seats fitted? Just thinking about the trip from the airport before being able to purchase one?
I am picking someone up at the airport and they have a young child. Do I need a child restraint? Yes. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure restraints are fitted and used. If the visitor cannot bring their own restraint, a restraint can be hired. If they choose to use a taxi, they do not need to use a restraint, however Queensland Transport recommends the use of child restraints unless in an emergency situation. Kidsafe* can organise for a capsule/restraint to be sent to the airport by a courier for pick up on arrival. This must be booked and paid for at least one week in advance.
I have heard that pre-booked taxis can be arranged with child seats.
Apparently, you cannot take your car seats from the UK as they do not bear the OZ flag to meet the required regulations. So in the event of an accident it would not be ideal...
thanks for all the posts and links, guys! well, it sounds like the car seats will be staying here, I guess it saves the headaches of how to get them out there - excess baggage or shipped etc etc! Of course, this is all a bit previous, we have only just had our skills check completed, but we are about to buy a forward facing seat for son number two and thought we'd get ahead of the game...
