Seat belt rules in New Zealand
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 30 Jan 2026
By New Zealand law, all drivers and passengers in the car must wear seat belts on every trip, whether long or short.
Read on to find out why.
All drivers and passengers in New Zealand must wear seat belts at all times. Keep in mind that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that any passenger under 15 years of age uses a seat belt or the proper child restraint. Passengers aged 15 and over are responsible for wearing their own seat belts.
What are the rules for wearing a seat belt in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, all modern cars are fitted with seat belts and it is the law that is you are sitting in a seat with a seat belt that you wear the seat belt. This rule holds both for the driver and any passengers.
Seat belts must be worn at all times.
Seat belts are designed and intended to be worn by only one person at a time.
Fastening a seat belt around two people or doubling up may be not only unsafe but illegal as well.
Seat belts must be worn correctly — if the belt has a strap that goes over the shoulder, it must be worn as such.
A broken seat belt is not an excuse for not wearing one.
Are there exemptions from wearing seat belts?
There are a few scenarios where you don’t have to wear a safety belt. These include:
If you possess a certificate from a medical practitioner confirming that it would be impractical or undesirable for medical reasons. This exemption can also apply to child restraints.
If you are reversing and you are physically unable to turn around to see behind you when restrained by a seat belt.
If you can’t operate any of the main controls in the vehicle such as the steering wheel, horn, indicators, brakes, or clutch while wearing a seat belt.
What are the rules about child seats in New Zealand?
All children under seven years of age must use an approved child restraint. According to NZ Transport Agency, approved child restraints include:
infant restraints for young babies (often called baby capsules)
restraints for older babies, toddlers and preschool children (often called car seats)
child safety harnesses (used with or without a booster seat) for preschool and school-aged children.
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Children aged 8-14 must use safety belts if available and if not, they must travel in the back seat. A fine of NZ$150 can be issued for not wearing a seat belt. You can read more about the requirements and costs here.
How do I add a child seat to my car rental booking?
If you need to add a rear-facing or forward-facing child seat, or a booster seat to your booking, you can do so during the booking process. If the option for child seats is “on request”, our team will contact you to confirm your request and let you know the updated cost (if the seat is available). If you have already made your booking, you can request a child seat by contacting our customer care team.
In the instance you require more than two child seats, you’ll need to contact our customer care team directly as this will depend on availability and the type of vehicle you’re renting. Remember, it’s the responsibility of the driver to ensure all passengers are secured in the vehicle correctly, and this includes having children in the appropriate restraint.
How much does it cost to add a child seat to my booking?
The daily cost of the child seat will vary depending on your rental provider — some charge per day and others per hire. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of your selected rental car provider for current pricing.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
