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New Year’s Resolution: Learn Your State’s Car-Seat Laws
Jan 10 2008 by Lori Hindman
1/10/08
Guidelines for Keeping Kids Safe Vary by State
A friend asked me the other day if I knew how long her daughter needed to stay in a booster seat. I get these sort of questions all the time; that's just how I am. I'm Answer Girl. I'm not claiming to have the right answer, I just usually have an answer, generally delivered in a tone of complete confidence that indicates the utter reasonableness of what I've said.
Well, don't tell my family, but this one stumped me. This wasn't just a friendly game of Balderdash (and may I add that I ROCK that game?), my friend was putting her child's safety in my hands. I had no answer for her, and here's why: They keep changing the rules on me. Once upon a time, kids roamed the family land-yacht freely, but then came seat-belt laws, followed by child-safety seats. Then there were three-point harnesses, then the rear-facing things. And then came the pull-down armrest thingy like they use on the roller coasters at Six Flags. Then five-point restraints. Booster seats. High back. Low back. No back. Today, you can get belt-positioning devices that fold up and fit in your suitcase or diaper bag, great for traveling and taxicabs, they tell me. Who knew?
It's pretty fair to say that whatever law applied to your first child probably won't apply to your second or third. It's not like there's just one set of rules to play by; laws vary state-to-state. Drivers are required to properly restrain all passengers in their vehicle. Now, I'm all for restraining my kids, but I don't think duct tape counts here (kidding, folks, kidding!). Setting aside the safety ramifications, if children aren't appropriately restrained, you may be ticketed and/or fined a hefty sum. In California, for example, the fee is $270 and a point on your record. Ouch! So what's a mommy to do? Well, there are several sources you can consult for answers (other than myself, of course).
At least 13 states require children under 8 years old and 80 pounds to be in an approved belt-positioning booster seat. Children under 4 and 40 pounds have to be in a five-point car seat in most states. In all states, babies under the age of 1 and less than 20 pounds should be in a rear-facing, reclined seat. To find out the requirements where you live, state government websites usually post their current child-safety seat laws, and your local police and fire stations can usually help clear things up. Many will also help you properly install your seat. Your pediatrician is a good resource here as well. In fact, many hospitals won't let you leave with your new child without having the proper seat already in your car.
OK, so I found an answer. Now I've got to go call my friend and repair my reputation as Answer Girl.
Lori, thanks for helping get the message out. As a 30 firefighter and a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician instructor, may I suggest that your readers also consult NHTSA.gov for more information on child safety seats. The web site list recalls, ease of use ratings, and suggestions for proper restraint of childred. Another excellent resourse for all aspects of kid safety is SafeKids.org. Thanks…good luck.