Child Car Seat

As of January 1, 2012, all children younger than eight years old, or under 4 feet 9 inches, must be secured in a car seat or booster. In addition, all kids younger than eight, must be secured in the back seat.

Read our How to Buy a Child Safety Seat and How to Install a Child Safety Seat for more details, including information on how the seats differ.

When a Child May Ride in Front

Children may ride in the front seat of a vehicle, but only when:

• There is no rear seat or the rear seats are either side-facing jump seats or rear-facing seats.
• The child passenger restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat.
• All rear seats are already occupied by children under the age of eight years
• A medical reason requires the child to ride in the front seat.

Some vehicles, usually those with no backseats, come with an airbag-off switch for this purpose.

General Seat Belt Laws

With a few exceptions, everyone riding in a car must be contained by an approved safety restraint system (seat belts and/or safety seats). Some passengers may be exempted from this requirement due to medical issues if they have a letter from their doctor excusing them from the seat belt law.

Passengers who are at least 16 years old can be cited for failing to comply with the law. Drivers are responsible for their own conduct along with their passenger’s behavior, and can be cited for any seat-belt violation that occurs within their vehicle.

Fines

• First offense―$20 for the first offense
• Subsequent Offense―fifty dollars ($50)

Leaving Children or Pets Unattended in a Car

It is illegal to leave a six years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle when:

• There are conditions that present a significant risk to the child’s health or safety. Example: Leaving a child in a closed car on a very hot day.
• The vehicle’s engine is running, the keys are in the ignition, or both. Children can start or move the car causing injuries and/or deaths to themselves or others. An opportunist may (and many have) seize the moment to jump in and drive your car away, child still strapped in.

Violators may be fined and required to attend a community education program. If the child is injured, requires emergency medical services, or dies, then the penalties become more severe.
Also remember that pets also deserve the same care and should not be left unattended in a vehicle on a hot day.

If you see an endangered child or pet, call 911 and stay by the vehicle.