Adding Top Tether Anchor Points in NSW: What You Need to Know (2026 Guide)
Updated: Oct 25
By Rebecca Maher | ViaCrucis Fitting & Consulting
Not every vehicle has a top tether anchorage point in every seating position. If you're trying to install a child car seat in a vehicle without a suitable anchorage, you might be wondering whether it's possible to have one added.
The good news is that additional top tether anchorage points can sometimes be installed in vehicles in NSW, provided the vehicle is suitable and the installation meets the relevant requirements.
However, adding an anchorage point isn't as simple as drilling a hole and attaching a bolt. Here's what you need to know about top tether anchorages, vehicle compatibility and the process of having an additional anchorage point installed in NSW.
What Is a Top Tether Anchor Point?
A top tether anchorage point is a designated attachment point in a vehicle that allows the top tether strap of a child restraint to be secured. The top tether strap is attached to the child restraint itself and helps control the restraint's movement and rotation during a crash. The anchorage point is part of the vehicle, and its location varies depending on the make, model and seating position.
Common locations include:
The rear parcel shelf.
The back of the rear seats.
The vehicle floor behind the seating position.
The roof or another manufacturer-designated location in some vehicles.
It's important to distinguish between a top tether anchorage point and an ISOFIX lower anchorage. They are different components with different purposes.
Why Are Top Tether Anchor Points Important?
The top tether plays an important role in managing the movement of a child restraint during a collision.
In forward-facing restraints, the top tether helps limit forward rotation, which can reduce the movement of the child's head during a crash.
In rear-facing restraints, the top tether forms part of the restraint's approved installation system and helps control its movement.
For Australian child restraints that require a top tether, the strap must be attached to a suitable anchorage point and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A child restraint that requires a top tether must not be installed without its required tether attachment.
Do All Cars Have Top Tether Anchor Points?
No. The number and location of top tether anchorage points vary between vehicles.
Many modern passenger vehicles have multiple anchorage points in the rear seating positions, but this doesn't mean every seating position is suitable for every child restraint.
Some vehicles have:
Three top tether anchorage points across the second row.
Only two anchorage points in the rear seating area.
Additional anchorage points in selected third-row seating positions.
Anchorage arrangements that restrict where particular child restraints can be installed.
Older vehicles, imported vehicles, commercial vehicles and vehicles with modified seating arrangements may have different configurations. Australian Design Rule 34 (ADR 34) establishes requirements for child restraint anchorages in applicable vehicles, but the requirements have changed over time and depend on the vehicle category and applicable ADR version.
It is not correct to assume that every Australian vehicle manufactured after 1976 must have three rear top tether anchorages.
Always check your vehicle owner's manual to confirm the location and availability of approved child restraint anchorage points.
Can You Add a Top Tether Anchor Point to a Car in NSW?
Yes, in some circumstances.
Additional top tether anchorage points may be installed in a vehicle that does not have a suitable anchorage in the required seating position.
However, whether an anchorage can be added depends on the vehicle's design, structure and applicable approval requirements.
Not every vehicle or seating position is suitable for modification.
For example, installing an additional anchorage may be more complicated in vehicles with:
Folding or removable rear seats.
Third-row seating.
Limited access to suitable structural mounting locations.
Complex seat frames or integrated restraint systems.
Seating configurations that were not originally designed to accommodate child restraints.
Before any work is carried out, the proposed installation needs to be assessed to determine whether a suitable, compliant anchorage can be provided.
What's Involved in Adding a Top Tether Anchor Point?
Adding an additional child restraint anchorage generally involves several steps.
1. Vehicle Assessment
The first step is determining whether the vehicle is suitable for an additional anchorage point.
This may involve checking the vehicle's make, model, year of manufacture, seating configuration and existing anchorage arrangements.
The vehicle manufacturer may also have specific instructions or approved anchorage components available.
2. Determining a Suitable Anchorage Location
An additional anchorage needs to be attached to a suitable structural location capable of withstanding the forces imposed during a crash.
The proposed location must also allow the top tether strap to be routed correctly without creating interference or other installation problems.
An anchorage cannot simply be positioned wherever it is most convenient.
3. Installation
Where an appropriate solution is available, the anchorage must be installed using components and procedures suitable for the vehicle and the applicable requirements.
Depending on the vehicle, this may involve manufacturer-approved components or an individually assessed modification.
4. Engineering Approval and Certification
Some anchorage installations or vehicle modifications require assessment and certification by an appropriately qualified engineering signatory.
In NSW, modifications requiring certification may fall under the Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS).
Whether certification is required depends on the specific vehicle, the proposed installation and the applicable modification requirements.
It's important to establish these requirements before proceeding, rather than assuming every anchorage installation follows the same approval process.
5. Documentation and Final Checks
Once the work is completed, retain any installation records, approval documents and engineering certification relevant to the modification.
The anchorage location and top tether routing should also be checked to ensure the intended child restraint can be correctly installed.
Can You Install a Top Tether Anchor Point Yourself?
Adding a top tether anchorage should not be treated as a general DIY modification.
Although some vehicles may have manufacturer-provided anchorage mounting provisions or approved retrofit components, the correct procedure must be followed.
An incorrectly installed anchorage could fail under crash loads, even if it appears secure during normal use.
For vehicles without a manufacturer-approved installation procedure, professional assessment is particularly important.
Never use an ordinary bolt, cargo hook, luggage tie-down or other unapproved fitting as a substitute for a child restraint anchorage point.
Who Can Install Additional Top Tether Anchor Points in NSW?
The appropriate provider depends on the type of installation required.
Options may include:
A vehicle manufacturer or dealership where an approved anchorage retrofit is available.
A specialist child restraint anchorage installer with experience in the relevant vehicle type.
A suitably qualified automotive modification specialist.
A VSCCS licensed certifier where engineering certification is required.
Before booking an installation, ask whether the provider can assess your specific vehicle, explain the applicable approval requirements and supply any necessary documentation.
It's also worth confirming whether the proposed modification will affect the vehicle's registration, manufacturer warranty or insurance arrangements.
Does Adding an Anchorage Point Mean You Can Install a Car Seat Anywhere?
Not necessarily.
Having a suitable top tether anchorage is only one part of determining whether a child restraint can be installed in a particular seating position.
Other considerations include:
The vehicle seat design and geometry.
The availability of a suitable seatbelt or approved ISOFIX lower anchorages.
The child restraint manufacturer's installation requirements.
The vehicle manufacturer's seating restrictions.
The correct routing of the top tether strap.
Interference with other seating positions, restraints or vehicle components.
This is particularly important when attempting to install three child restraints across a rear seat or use child restraints in the third row of a seven-seat vehicle.
An additional top tether anchorage does not automatically make an otherwise unsuitable seating position appropriate for child restraint installation.
Can You Use an ISOFIX Anchorage Instead of a Top Tether Anchorage?
No. ISOFIX lower anchorages and top tether anchorages serve different purposes.
ISOFIX lower anchorages are generally located between the vehicle seat cushion and backrest and provide an attachment method for compatible child restraints.
A top tether anchorage is a separate, designated attachment point for the restraint's top tether strap.
The two systems are not interchangeable.
Similarly, adding a top tether anchorage does not create an ISOFIX-compatible seating position.
If your vehicle doesn't have ISOFIX lower anchorages, an appropriate child restraint may still be installed using the vehicle seatbelt and required top tether, provided the installation is approved and compatible.
What If Your Vehicle Doesn't Have Enough Top Tether Anchor Points?
If you're struggling to install multiple child restraints because your vehicle doesn't have enough suitable anchorage points, it's worth exploring the available options before arranging a modification.
Depending on your vehicle and restraints, possible solutions may include:
Using a different approved seating position.
Choosing a different child restraint that is compatible with the available seating positions.
Reviewing the arrangement of multiple restraints.
Investigating whether a manufacturer-approved additional anchorage is available.
Seeking advice about an appropriately assessed and approved vehicle modification.
Sometimes a different child restraint combination or seating arrangement can resolve the problem without modifying the vehicle.
In other cases, the vehicle's design may limit the available options.
Need Help Understanding Your Vehicle's Child Restraint Anchorages?
If you're unsure where your vehicle's top tether anchorage points are located, or whether a particular seating position is suitable for a child restraint, professional fitting advice can help.
At ViaCrucis Fitting & Consulting, we provide child restraint fitting, installation checks and practical education throughout Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden, Oran Park and surrounding South West Sydney suburbs.
We can help identify existing anchorage points, review child restraint compatibility and explain installation options.
While we do not carry out vehicle engineering modifications or install additional structural anchorage points, we can help you understand what to look for and when specialist assessment may be required.
Book a child restraint fitting or safety check at www.viacrucis.com.au.
Little changes can make a BIG difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Legal to Add a Top Tether Anchor Point in NSW?
It may be possible to legally add a top tether anchorage point, provided the installation meets the applicable vehicle standards and modification requirements. Some installations require engineering certification.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Additional Top Tether Anchor Point?
The cost varies depending on the vehicle, the installation method, the availability of approved components and whether engineering assessment or certification is required. Obtain a vehicle-specific quote before proceeding.
Do All Rear Seats Have Top Tether Anchor Points?
No. The number and location of anchorage points vary between vehicles. Check the vehicle owner's manual to confirm which seating positions have approved anchorages.
Can I Use a Cargo Hook as a Top Tether Anchorage?
No, unless the vehicle manufacturer specifically identifies that fitting as an approved child restraint anchorage. Cargo hooks and luggage tie-down points should not be assumed suitable.
Can I Add a Top Tether Anchor Point to the Third Row of a Seven-Seater?
Possibly, but it depends on the vehicle's design and the applicable modification requirements. Some third-row seating positions may not be suitable for additional anchorages.
Do All Australian Child Car Seats Need a Top Tether?
Many Australian child restraints, including rear-facing and forward-facing restraints with inbuilt harnesses, require a top tether. Some approved booster seats do not. Always follow the specific restraint's instructions.
Can a Child Restraint Fitter Install an Additional Anchorage Point?
A child restraint fitting qualification does not, by itself, authorise someone to carry out structural vehicle modifications. Additional qualifications, specialist expertise or engineering certification may be required depending on the installation.
Where Can I Get Advice About Child Restraint Anchorages in South West Sydney?
If your vehicle requires an additional top tether anchorage point, we recommend contacting a specialist provider experienced in child restraint anchorage installations and vehicle modifications.
Two providers we suggest contacting are:
BabySafe Child Restraints has experience in child restraint fitting and related vehicle anchorage services. Contact their team to discuss your vehicle's make, model and seating configuration, and whether an additional anchorage installation is available.
Littles Child Restraints is another provider worth contacting for advice about additional child restraint anchorage points. They can advise whether they offer a suitable installation service for your vehicle or whether further specialist assessment is required.
Before Booking an Installation
We recommend confirming the following with your chosen provider:
Whether your vehicle is suitable for an additional anchorage point.
Whether the proposed installation meets the applicable Australian Design Rules and NSW requirements.
Whether engineering assessment or certification is required.
What installation and approval documentation will be provided.
The total cost of the work, including any required certification.
Please note: These are suggested providers to contact, not a guarantee that an anchorage can be installed in every vehicle. Services and certification arrangements should be confirmed directly with the provider.
If you're unsure whether you actually need an additional anchorage point, ViaCrucis Fitting & Consulting can help assess your existing child restraint installation options before you consider modifying your vehicle.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about child restraint anchorage points and vehicle modifications in NSW. Requirements vary according to vehicle type, manufacture date, applicable Australian Design Rules and the nature of the proposed modification. Always consult the vehicle manufacturer and appropriately qualified automotive specialists before modifying a child restraint anchorage system.
Need help with your child car seat? ViaCrucis offers professional mobile child restraint fittings across Liverpool and South West Sydney, plus selected onsite appointments. Book your child car seat fitting online. Payment is made at your appointment.
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