Child Restraint Checklist
RACQ Child Restraints - Frequently Asked Questions
- Does RACQ hire out child restraints?
RACQ sells a full range of child restraints but does not offer a hire facility.
Check your phone book for details of hirers in your local area.
- Queensland Ambulance (phone 1300 369 003) operates a baby capsule hire scheme.
- Kidsafe (phone 07 3854 1829) also offers a child restraint hiring facility for the Brisbane metropolitan area only.
Check your phone book for details of hirers in your local area.
- If I don't have an anchor point in my vehicle, where can I get one fitted?
Only Queensland Transport authorised officers can fit an anchor point. Phone RACQ on 13 1905 for a list of authorised officers in your area.
- Will RACQ fit my restraint for me?
If you buy your child restraint from RACQ your first installation is complimentary. If you purchase a child restraint from another retailer, you can still have it installed through RACQ for a fee of $20 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information, phone the RACQ on 1800 816 523. Booking fee will be requested at time of booking and cancellation fee of $20.00 applies for bookings cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled vehicle inspection date. Please note - EFTpos is not currently available at all locations.
- Is one brand of child restraint safer than another?
All child restraints sold in Australia must meet the same Australian Standard AS 1754.
It is important however, to work out what you require in a restraint before you buy one. Think about the:
It is important however, to work out what you require in a restraint before you buy one. Think about the:
- suitability for your child in realtion to their age, weight and size
- size of the seat and vehicle, and restraint's features
- materials and ease of fitting
- warranty and after sales service and advice.
- Are there consequences if I do not restrain my child when driving?
Yes, there is a $300 fine plus 3 licence demerit points if you are caught driving with a child under 7 years of age who is not restrained according to their size and age.
- When did the new changes to the Child Restraint Regulations come into effect?
View the Queensland Government Department of Transport website for new changes to the Child Restraint Regulations effective as of 11 March 2010.
- Can I use a restraint that I brought overseas?
Overseas child restraints cannot be used in Australia because they do not comply with the Australian standards and do not display the Australian Standards tick logo.
- Can I use second hand restraints?
If you are going to use a second hand restraint it is highly recommended you know the history of the restraint to ensure it has not been involved in an accident. RACQ do not recommend using second hand restraints for this reason, however there is nothing in the legislation that states you are not able to use second hand restraints.
- What if my child is to small for the type of restraint specified for their age?
If you child is too small to move into the next level of restraint, you should keep your child in the lower level restraint for as long as necessary or until they reach the maximum capacity as specified by the manufacturer.
- What if my child if too large for the type of restraint specified for their age?
If your child is too large to fit into a restraint specified, you may move your child into the next level of restraint. However there may be another type of seat on the market that may cater for them to remain in the specified type of restraint for a longer period of time, to ensure they are safe and secure.
- I have a ute, can my child travel in the ute?
If a vehicle has only one row of seats (ute or commecial vehicle) a child can sit in the front seat as long as they are properly restrained for their age & size. It is not recommended a rearward facing child restraint be used if the vehicle has an air bag fitted.
- When can I turn my child from Rearward Facing to Forward Facing?
Queensland Legislation (Road Rules Regulations 2009) states the minimum age you can turn your child from rearward facing to forward facing is 6 months of age. However, child restraint manufacturers also have a minimum requirement as to when a child should be turned from rearward facing to forward facing. It is highly recommended you refer to your child restraint user manual prior turning your child to the forward facing position.
The longer you can leave your child in the rearward facing position (as per the manufactures recommendation for the restraint you are using) the safer and more secure your child will be.
The longer you can leave your child in the rearward facing position (as per the manufactures recommendation for the restraint you are using) the safer and more secure your child will be.
- What to do if your child restraint/s have been involved in an accident??
If your child restraint is involved in an accident, please refer to the child restraint manufactures user manual as each manufacture may have individual recommendations of what to do in this instance.
RACQ recommends if you child restraint has been involved in an accident that your replace it and dispose of the damaged one immediately.
To dispose of restraints, it is recommended you cut all straps and dispose of at your local rubbish tip to ensure it is unable to be used again.
RACQ recommends if you child restraint has been involved in an accident that your replace it and dispose of the damaged one immediately.
To dispose of restraints, it is recommended you cut all straps and dispose of at your local rubbish tip to ensure it is unable to be used again.
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