Reviewing the Australian Roads Rules to align with best practice child restraint guidance

The child restraint rules within the ARRs were last reviewed in 2010. Since that time, there have been significant changes to child restraint design and research into best practice use. NTC will work with state and territory jurisdictions, as well as relevant stakeholders to review the current ARRs relating to child restraints. There will be a specific focus on the following areas:  

• Appropriate use of child restraints
• Children using adult seatbelts
• Children travelling in the front seat
• Improving the level of protection for children with medical conditions and disabilities

A key part of the review will include the development of an Issues Paper and an Options Paper. To support this, we will establish an Expert Advisory Group (EAG). This group will provide independent, evidence-based advice to the NTC, helping us better understand current challenges, their impacts, and potential solutions.

The EAG will include representatives from state and territory governments, law enforcement, advocacy organisations, road safety experts, research institutions, manufacturers, installers, and medical and allied health professionals.

Input from the EAG will play a vital role in shaping our work and will inform the broader public consultation process.
 

We are committed to engaging a broad range of stakeholders at key milestones throughout the project.

Following our initial research and discussions with experts, we will undertake public consultation in late 2025. This will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to comment on evidence-based options for improving child restraint requirements.

A second round of public consultation will be held in the second quarter of 2026 to further refine the proposed options and inform the impact analysis.

Final recommendations will be presented to Ministers for approval in the second half of 2026.