Children under the age of 8 years, who are less than 57 inches tall or who weigh under 40 lbs. are required to be in a child safety or booster seat when traveling in a car. Additionally, children under the age of 8 years and weighing under 40 lbs. must be transported in the rear seat of the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children age 16 years and under be properly restrained in a safety belt when traveling in a vehicle.
Children utilizing a booster seat must be restrained in the seat using a lap/shoulder harness combination restraint system. Using only the lap belt will not properly restrain a child in case of an automobile accident.
Children whose weight, medical or physical condition prevents them from being restrained in a child safety or booster seat may be exempt from the safety seat regulation.
If you are unsure how to properly use a child safety or booster seat, your local state police post can help you. An officer will show you how to properly install your child safety or booster seat and how to properly restrain your infant or child in the seat to maximize the child's safety.
