[NSW] Can a 8yrs Old Child (130cm Tall) Use a Normal Seatbelt in Car?

[Deactivated] on 21/05/2021 - 10:40
Last edited 21/05/2021 - 13:58 by 1 other user

The NSW government recommends that children over the age of 7 years old must be at least 145cm tall before they use a normal seatbelt.

My daughter is 8yrs3monts and she is 130cm tall.

I am wondering if we can take the child seat out and let her use normal seatbelt. I think 145cm tall (min requirement) is bit longer time and as I understand it's just a "recommendation/suggestion". but how strict are they with it to height?

Has anyone had any issue (fine/demerits etc) for allowing child under 145cm to use normal seatbelt?

Thanks in advance.

• 

  ChocStrawberries on 21/05/2021 - 10:45

  +14

  Once they hit 7 years old it's not about their age, it's about their size. I know some adults who have to use a booster seat in the car, because they are very short. If you were in an accident, your daughter could slide out of an adult seatbelt and be seriously injured, or worse. I would hope her safety comes before any worries about fines or demerits….

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 21/05/2021 - 11:06

    Thanks, this make sense.

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  Quantumcat on 21/05/2021 - 10:45

  +5

  Height is important not age. The seatbelt needs to form the correct angle to have the right effect in an accident. She needs a booster seat still.

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  JimB on 21/05/2021 - 11:04

  +3

  Get a booster as a minimum.

  My 9yo is over 130cm but we still put in him a 4 point harness.

  Also, make sure not to put them in the front seat.

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  brendanm on 21/05/2021 - 13:02

  +3

  I think the safety of your kid is a more important consideration than whether you will get a fine.

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  BOGOF on 21/05/2021 - 14:57

  Genuine question……Is it expected that short adults or adults with dwarfism are expected to use the rear seat/ booster seats/ harnesses?

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    ChocStrawberries on 21/05/2021 - 15:14

    +1

    I can't speak for everyone, but I have some very short family members (4ft and under) who use booster seats as passengers. They don't drive (all have partners/spouses that drive) so they didn't bother modifying their car, but if they did, they'd have to get the seat raised and the pedals adjusted.

    I'd be interested to know what others do.

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  Euphemistic on 21/05/2021 - 15:48

  Better for safety to keep them in a kiddie seat in their regular ride. You can use ‘over 7’ though if you need to transport the kid without a seat occasionally.

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  The Value on 21/05/2021 - 23:36

  -1

  Wow. 145 is the minimum? That's seems very high.

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  deeevan on 22/05/2021 - 13:13

  Age and height both play a part
  - The older the child is, the more of their bones have fused together and the risk of internal decapitation from their head whipping forward and back is reduced
  - Height is to ensure the seatbelt sits on the lap and chest properly, which are best to take the force of the seatbelt not their neck

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  whitewatermelon on 22/05/2021 - 18:20

  My son is 11 years old, and 130cm. He's still in a booster.
  Better safe than sorry…