do old cars need seat belts australia

Short answer: in Australia, whether an old car needs seat belts depends on its build date and what it originally had.

Vehicles generally have to meet the Australian Design Rules that applied when they were built, so if your pre‑seat‑belt classic never had belts, most states don’t force a retrofit—but if belts are fitted, they must be ADR‑compliant and worn.

Retrofits, child‑restraint anchorages and lap‑sash upgrades typically require approved hardware and sometimes an engineer’s certificate.

Historic/club rego schemes add their own quirks, but none of them let you carry kids without proper restraints.

Translation: check your state authority (VicRoads, Transport for NSW, TMR QLD, DoT WA, etc.) before drilling holes, and enjoy your classic without re‑enacting the 1970s safety record.