Child car seat installations
Inner West Council, in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), provides free child car seat checks and installations by RMS-authorised restraint fitters.
Around 2 in 3 child car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can significantly increase the risk of injury in a crash. This service helps ensure children are travelling safely in a seat appropriate for their age and size.
What’s changing
To ensure the program remains equitable, sustainable and accessible, Council is updating the Child Car Seat Voucher Program.
From 1 June 2026, the voucher program will be replaced with an in-person service at a designated venue.
What stays the same
- Appointments will continue to be provided free of charge
- Services will be delivered by RMS-authorised restraint fitters
- Council remains committed to improving child passenger safety across the Inner West community
Upcoming dates
Next session
Wednesday 17 June 2026
11:00am to 2:00pm
Leichhardt Marketplace rooftop car park (access via Lords Road, corner of Marion Street and Flood Street, Leichhardt)
Future sessions
- 2026: August, October, December
- 2027: February, April, June
Bookings open 14 days prior to each session.
For cancellations or enquiries, please email carseatchecks@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
About the service
Council provides free child car seat inspections up to six times per year, subject to ongoing funding from TfNSW.
As places are limited, if you are unable to secure a booking, you can visit an authorised restraint fitter to ensure your child's seat is correctly installed for a small fee.
The free inspection covers the cost of the check or installation. Any additional parts or accessories will be at your own expense.
This service is available to Inner West Council residents only. To check your eligibility, please use this link 'Find Your Local Council' to search for your address. Booking terms and conditions apply.
If you do not live in the Inner West Council area, or are unavailable on the designated days, you can find your nearest authorised restraint fitting station at the NSW Centre for Roady Safety website.
Child car seat laws
Australian law requires children travelling in cars to be secured in an approved restraint – Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754. This means:
- Children younger than 6 months must be secured in a rear-facing restraint
- Children 6 months to 4 years must be secured in a rear or forward-facing restraint
- Children 4 to 7 years must be secured in a forward-facing restraint or booster seat
- Children younger than 4 years must travel in the back seat of a vehicle with two or more rows
For current information on child restraints visit www.childcarseats.com.au