Is it illegal to install a baby seat in the front seat of my car?

Ferrying the family? The type of vehicle you drive and the number of kids you’re carrying determine where it’s legal to install that car seat.

Really, it’s a question that raises another question: why would you want to install a baby seat in the front seat?

As any parent of small, wiggly humans knows, securing them in the backseat and finally having 30 seconds of peace while you (slowly) walk to the driver’s side can sometimes be the most relaxing part of your day.

However, there may be times when seat placement requires some flexibility. For instance, if you own a two-seater or have more children than available space in the back. In such scenarios, determining whether to place the baby seat in the front or not comes down to both your vehicle type and how many little ones are accompanying you.

As with many road rules, guidelines and fines vary from state to state. Here’s what you need to know depending on your location:

Is it illegal to beep your car horn in Australia?

Can I put a baby seat in the front seat of my car in the ACT?

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a spokesperson for ACT Policing informed Drive that “a passenger who is under four years old must not be in the front row of a motor vehicle that has two or more rows of seats.” Moreover, “children over the age of four but under seven years… must not be seated in the front row of a motor vehicle that has two or more rows of seats, unless all other seats are occupied by passengers who are also less than seven years old.”

Can I put a baby seat in the front seat of my car in NSW?

In NSW, Rule 266 of Road Rules 2014 prohibits driving with children under four years old in the front row of a vehicle that has two or more rows of seats. You may face a penalty of $352 and three demerit points for violating this rule. However, if your vehicle has only one row of seats, then you may secure your child up front using an appropriate and properly fitted child car seat for their age and size.

As stated on the NSW Government website, children between the ages of four and seven can sit in the front seat only if all seats in the back are taken by younger children. However, an approved car seat must still be used.

There are some exemptions for children with medical conditions or disabilities, but a medical certificate is required. In this case, all conditions listed on the certificate must be followed, including using the appropriate alternative restraint.

Can I put a baby seat in the front seat of my car in Victoria?

In Victoria, it is mandatory for children under the age of four to be seated in the back seat of a vehicle. Children between four and seven years old can only sit in the front seat if all the rear seats are occupied by other passengers under seven years old. In this case, an approved booster seat without a top tether strap must also be used since there are no anchorage points in the front position. Generally, children must be at least seven years old to sit in the front without a booster. However, in vehicles such as vans or Utes which do not have a back seat, a child can travel up front but only if they are secured in a child restraint. It’s important to note that rear-facing options cannot be used in the front seat if it has a passenger airbag.

Is it legal to place a baby seat in the front seat of my car in Western Australia and Queensland?

In Western Australia, it is illegal for a child under seven years old to be seated in the front row of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats unless there are no other seating positions available. Violating this rule will result in a fine of $600, which is equivalent to 12 penalty units (PU) and four demerit points. Children aged between four and seven can travel in the front seat only if all other rear seats are filled with passengers aged under seven. However, they still need to be secured in an appropriate child restraint.

Can I put a baby seat in the front seat of my car in Queensland?

In Queensland, children under the age of seven cannot sit in the front seat unless there is no other seating position available. Children must also be restrained in an approved child restraint, while all other occupants must wear their seatbelt correctly. Failing to ensure that all passengers are properly restrained may result in a fine of $1078 and four demerit points.

The Queensland Government website specifies that if your car has multiple rows of seats, children under four years old should be seated in an approved child seat in the back seat. If there is no back seat or it is already occupied by kids under seven, then children aged between four and seven can sit in the front seat. Children who are over seven years old can sit in the front seat as long as they are properly restrained.

In vehicles with only one row of seats, children of any age can sit in the front seat but must be correctly restrained. However, if there is a passenger airbag, a rear-facing child restraint cannot be used in the front seat.

Can I put a baby seat in the front seat of my car in Tasmania?

According to a spokesperson for Tasmania Police, it is required by law for children to be restrained in an approved child seat until they reach seven years of age. If the car does not have a back seat, such as a ute, children under four years old can sit in the front seat, but they must be seated in an approved car seat that has been appropriately fitted and secured. If the child is over four and all rear seats are occupied by younger children, they can sit in the front but only if they are in an approved car or booster seat that has been properly fitted. It is important to note that if a child under four is seated incorrectly in the front seat, there is a penalty of three demerit points and a fine of $407.25.

Can I put a baby seat in the front seat of my car in the Northern Territory?

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics of the Northern Territory Government website stipulates that children under the age of four should not be seated in the front row of a car with two or more rows. For kids aged between four and seven years, they are only allowed to sit in the front row when all other seats are occupied by younger children who are appropriately restrained using an approved child restraint system. It is essential to note that violating this regulation attracts a $480 penalty per child plus a $20 Victims of Crime levy, and three demerit points.

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