Exemption from using seatbelt or child restraint

We don't issue exemptions for the use of seatbelts and child restraints. You must wear a seatbelt where one is provided and you must secure children under the age of seven in child restraints. 

Detailed requirements for seatbelts

 However, the law provides for some exceptions to these requirements:

  • If you have a certificate from a medical practitioner confirming the use of a seatbelt or child restraint is impracticable or undesirable for medical reasons.
  • If when wearing a seatbelt you couldn't reasonably operate effectively the footbrake, handbrake, direction indicator, horn, windscreen wiper, choke or sun visor.
  • If you're reversing and can't operate the vehicle in a safe manner.
  • If you're a taxi driver plying for hire.
  • If you're:
    • delivering newspapers, mail or other goods, or
    • servicing the vehicle, or
    • meter reading or carrying out other similar duties, or
    • spraying or carrying out other similar duties, and
    • you're required to alight and re-enter the vehicle frequently, and
    • the vehicle doesn't exceed 50km/h.
  • If you're an enforcement officer or prison officer travelling with another person who isn't an enforcement officer or prison officer in circumstances in which it is impracticable or undesirable to wear a seatbelt.
  • If you're a driver or passenger on a bus.
  • If you're in a passenger service vehicle where no appropriate child restraints are available.
  • If you're in a goods service vehicle with an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg in which no seatbelts are available.
  • If you're in a motor vehicle first registered before 1 January 1955 in which no seatbelts are available.
  • If you're driving a motor vehicle that's being used by an enforcement officer in the execution of the enforcement officer's duty.