top of page

Adding Top Tether Anchor Points in NSW: What You Need to Know

Writer's picture: Rebecca MaherRebecca Maher

As we approach 2025, the regulations surrounding child car seats and their anchor points in New South Wales, Australia, continue to evolve. If you're a parent or caregiver in NSW, it's crucial to stay informed about these changes and understand how they might affect your vehicle choices and child safety practices.


Understanding Top Tether Anchor Points

Top tether anchor points are a critical component of the child car seat safety system. They provide an additional point of attachment between the child car seat and the vehicle, significantly reducing forward movement in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

anchor point

Why Are They Important?

  1. Enhanced Safety: Top tether anchor points prevent the child seat from tipping forward, reducing the risk of head injuries.

  2. Legal Requirement: In NSW, it’s mandatory to use the top tether strap for all rearward facing child car seats and many forward-facing child car seats.


Current Regulations in NSW

As of January 2025, the following applies to child car seat top tethers and anchor points in NSW:

  1. All rearward-facing child car seats must be secured using the top tether strap.

  2. Many forward-facing seats also require the use of a top tether strap (check your seat’s manual).

  3. Australian Design Rule 34 (ADR 34) mandates that passenger vehicles, manufactured after 1976, are required to be equipped with top-tether anchor points in all three rear seating positions. This rule has made Australia a leader in child car seat safety.

A baby smiles in a rear facing car seat next to an older child in a forward facing Britax seat, inside a car. The setting is relaxed with a focused driver up front.

Adding Top Tether Anchor Points

If your vehicle lacks sufficient top tether anchor points, or you need to add more, here’s what you need to know:

  1. Professional Installation is Crucial: Adding top tether anchor points requires expertise and should only be done by qualified professionals.

  2. Authorised Installers: We highly recommend using authorised installers like BabySafe Child Restraints or Littles Child Restraints. These experts can:

    • Assess your vehicle’s suitability for additional anchor points

    • Install new top tether anchor points that meet safety standards

    • Provide engineering certification for the installation

  3. Engineering Certification: This is a critical step when adding new anchor points. It ensures that:

    • The installation meets all relevant safety standards

    • The anchor point can withstand the forces involved in a collision

    • Your vehicle insurance remains valid

    Car interior with beige seats focusing on "TOP TETHER" label for child seat anchor. Monochrome design, central console visible.

How BabySafe Child Restraints and Littles Child Restraints Can Help

Both BabySafe Child Restraints and Littles Child Restraints are trusted partners in ensuring child car seat safety:

  1. Expert Installation: Their technicians are trained to install top tether anchor points correctly in a wide range of vehicles.

  2. Comprehensive Assessment: They’ll evaluate your vehicle and advise on the best locations for additional anchor points.

  3. Engineering Certification: Both providers offer engineering certification for their installations, giving you peace of mind and legal compliance.


Looking Ahead: The Future of Car Seat Safety

As we move towards 2025 and beyond, we anticipate:

  • Continued emphasis on the importance of top tether anchor points

  • Potential advancements in anchor point technology for easier installation and use

  • Possible changes in regulations to align with global standards, while maintaining Australia’s high safety standards

Three children in blue seats in a car; a middle child in a car seat appears happy. Bright blue interior with large windows showing green scenery.

Conclusion

At Baby Clean & Safe, we believe that understanding and properly using top tether anchor points is crucial for your child’s safety. If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s anchor points or need to add more, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like BabySafe Child Restraints or Littles Child Restraints.


Remember, when it comes to your child’s safety on the road, it’s always better to seek expert advice. Proper use of top tether anchor points is not just a legal requirement – it’s a vital step in protecting the precious cargo in your back seat.


Stay safe on the roads, and don’t hesitate to contact us or our recommended partners for any child car seat safety concerns!

Cartoon of two people, Bec and Chris, waving from a blue car with "babyclean & safe" logo, set on a suburban street with houses in the background.

Comments


contact us

Phone:  0481 358 524

    

Email:  info@babycleanandsafe.sydney

  

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon - Thur:  10:00 am - 4:00 pm 

Friday:  10:00 am - 2:00 pm 
Sat & Sun:  Closed

 

Social Links:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Proudly partnering with:

Liverpool City Council Road Safety
Strathfield Council Road Safety
BabySafe Child Restraints
Littles Child Restraints
KidSafe NSW Road Safety
Transurban Road Safety
TfNSW authorised-child-restraint-fitting-station


All rights reserved: C & RL Maher, T/A Baby Clean & Safe; T/A Babysafe Liverpool  ABN:  547 957 94989

bottom of page