While safety belts offer excellent protection for adults, they are not designed to keep children safe in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Missouri law states:

• A child less than four years old or weighing under 40 pounds must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child.
• A child over four years of age, but less than eight years of age, who also weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and is under 4’9″ tall, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat appropriate for that child.
• Children at least 80 pounds, or children more than 4’9″ tall, are required to be secured by an appropriate vehicle safety belt or booster seat.

The fine for violating Missouri’s child safety law is $50 plus court costs. Child safety seat requirements do not apply to children who are being transported in a school bus or public carrier for hire.