Child Restraints
Whenever children are passengers in vehicles they should be buckled-up in child restraints that are correct for their size (height and weight).
Using a restraint that fits your child correctly significantly reduces their risk of injury in a car crash.
Child Restraint Laws
Children up to the age of seven years must be correctly restrained in an approved child restraint, suitable for their age and size.
The legislation requires that for children who are:
- Younger than six months - rearward facing child restraints must be used
- Between six months and four years - either rear or forward facing child restraints must be used
- Between four and seven years - forward facing child restraints or booster seats must be used
- In vehicles with two or more rows of seats, all children under four must travel in the rear seat.
Children between four and seven can only travel in the front passenger seat if all rear seats are occupied by children under seven years in suitable restraints.
For more information on the new child restraint laws, go to the Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety website.
Child Car Seat Checking Program
City of Ryde runs child car seat safety checking days for residents and rate payers. Parents and carers can have their child car seats checked for safety and correct fit by an authorised restraint fitter.
To register your interest for the next Child Car Seat Checking day, please contact City of Ryde Customer Service on 9952 8222 or view our upcoming events.
The Safety Door
The Safety Door is the rear door, closest to the kerb, footpath or gutter and away from the road.
Get kids in the habit of getting in and out of the car using this door with a Safety Door sticker from the RMS. To order your free stickers contact the RMS on 1800 06 06 07.
RMS Authorised Fitting Stations
A significant percentage of families who install child restraints themselves fit them incorrectly. This means that the restraints may not protect children as well as they should in the event of an accident.
There are two fitting stations around Ryde that can help you find the best restraint for your child’s size and can confirm the restraint you have has the Australian Standards Mark.
Pearce's Fitting Station
Ryde Hospital, Ryde
Phone: 9997 4602
Tuffy Mufflers
Cnr Blaxland & Balaclava Rds, Eastwood
Phone: 9868 1177