R 18+ Computer Games information packageIn-store signage

R 18+ Computer Games information packageIn-store signage

Q & A for R 18+ Computer Games

Q1. When will computer games classified R 18+ be legally available?

A.From 1 January 2013

Q2. What sorts of computer games are classified R 18+?

A.Computer games where the material included is only suitable for adults.
These are computer games where the content is considered to be high in impact.

Q3. Who can legally buy R18+ computer games?

A.Only people aged 18 or over can buy or rent R 18+ computer games.
It is against the law to sell or rent R18+ computer games to people under 18.

Q4. How can I tell if someone is over 18 before selling or hiring R 18+ computer games to them?

A.It is up to you to confirm a person is over 18 before you sell or hire them an R18+ computer game.

Proof of age (preferably in the form of photo identification) may be required.

Q5. How do I identify an R 18+ computer game?

A.All computer games must display classification markings. These are the rating of the game (R 18+) as well as consumer advice which highlights high level content.

It is against the law to sell a computer game without a marking.

Q6. Do R 18+ computer games need to be in a separate section of the store?

  1. In South Australia and Western Australia there are conditions on how R18+ games are displayed for sale or hire.

For more information go to or call (02) 9289 7100

NB: As at 7 December 2012.

R 18+ Computer Games information packageIn-store signage

STATE & TERRITORY PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO R 18 + COMPUTER GAMES
OFFENCE / NSW / VIC / QLD / ACT / TAS / WA / SA / NT
Penalty units (individual cost per unit) / $110 / $140.84 / $100 / $110 / $130 / Set Fines / Set Fines / $141
Selling/hiring an R18+ computer game to a minor / s.30 $11,000 / s.42 $8,450 / s.18(2) I$10,000 / s.46 $5,500 / s.54A $2,600 / s.88 $5,000 / s.62 $5,000 / s.71 $14,100
Demonstrating an R18+ computer game in a 'public place' / ss.31A, 32 $5,500 / s.36A $1,408 / s.10(3) $5,000 / ss.41, 42 $5,500 / s.53 $6,500 / s.85 $2,000 / s.58 $5,000 / s.67 $14,100
Demonstrating an R18+ computer game in presence of child - in a place other than a 'public place' / s.33 $5,500 / s.39 $5,633 / s.10AA $5,000 / s.43 $5,500 / s.54 $2,600 / s.85 $2,000 / s.59 $5,000 / s.68 $14,100
Advertising an R 18+ computer game in a 'public place' / No Specific Offence / s.49 $2,816 / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / s.69A $5,000 / No Specific Offence
Keeping an R 18+ computer game with other computer games and/or films / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / No Specific Offence / s.85A $500 / s.60A $5,000 / No Specific Offence
Ver: 260213 - Maximun Penalties Listed
* Unless the person who sells or delivers/demonstrates the game is a parent or guardian of the minor
# Unless the person who sells or delivers the game is a a parent or guardian of the minor and the child is 15 or older
Higher penalities may apply for corporations in some jurisdictions

R 18+ Computer Games information packageOffences table