Child Motor Vehicle Safety Laws

Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. Keeping children safe while in a vehicle is vital and can be accomplished by using the proper child restraint. All 50 states require the use of child restraints within a motor vehicle through the age of 3. Forty-eight states require the use of a booster seat until the child is at least 7 years old or 4 feet 9 inches; Florida and South Dakota are the only states that do not require the use of a booster seat. It is important to check your state̵7;s child restraint laws to ensure you are following the proper laws and recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have published several guidelines for keeping your children safe in motor vehicles.

  1. Birth Through Age 2

    • Both the AAP and NHTSA recommend that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of two or they have exceeded the maximum weight and height limits on their rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing car seats reduce the stress of a crash on a child̵7;s neck and spine. Most states require that children ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.

    Age 2 Through 4

    • When your child exceeds the weight and height requirements on his rear-facing car seat, you should move him into a forward-facing car seat. Your child should stay in a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness until he has exceeded the weight and height requirements of the seat or until he is at least 40 pounds.

    Age 4 Through 8

    • Even though your child may have exceeded the height and weight limit of her forward-facing car seat, she is still not tall enough to sit in a seat belt without assistance. Booster seats elevate your child so that the seat belt will fit properly over her chest and lap. It is recommended that your child remains in a booster seat until she reaches the age of 8 and the height of 4 feet 9 inches.

    Age 8 Through 18

    • Once your child outgrows his booster seat, it is still vital to have your child wear a seat belt at all times in a moving vehicle. The seat belt should fit snugly across your child̵7;s upper thighs and across the chest, not the neck. Most states require the use of seat belts for children 18 or younger in a moving vehicle. Your child should use both the lap and shoulder belt at all times for optimal protection. It is also recommended that children sit in the back seat of the vehicle if possible.

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