← All topics
Seatbelts
All occupants must wear seatbelts properly adjusted. Children need child restraints appropriate to age and size.
Key Rules
- The driver is responsible for ensuring children wear belts or restraints correctly.
- The belt should cross the shoulder and pelvis, not under the arm or behind the back.
- Airbags do not replace seatbelts; they work together.
- Loose items in the cabin can become projectiles in braking or a crash.
Common Mistakes
- Wearing only the lap part for 'comfort'.
- Carrying a child on the lap instead of an approved seat.
Practical Example
Before leaving, you check everyone has clicked in and the child seat is firm on ISOFIX or the three-point belt.
Quick Check
- Who is responsible for under-age passengers' seatbelts?
- Why are loose items dangerous?
- Does an airbag replace a seatbelt?
Source: Based on the Drive Safe Handbook (WA). transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/road-rules-handbook.asp