Child Safety Seats

Children riding in a motor vehicle must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint until they are at least 8 years old or 4-foot-9-inches tall. All children under 16 must ride properly buckled. 

Common Guidelines That Help Keep Children Safe on the Road

  • The best place for a child is in the back seat
  • Babies should ride rear-facing and reclined until 1 year old and at least 30 pounds
  • Toddlers should ride forward-facing and upright with a harness until 40 pounds
  • Children over 40 pounds or who have outgrown the harness system should use a lap-and-shoulder-positioning booster seat

How to Choose & Use Safety Seats and Booster Seats

  • Select a seat that fits the child
  • The seat should fit the vehicle and should be easy to install correctly
  • Remember to always follow the child safety seat and vehicle instruction manuals
  • Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an airbag
  • Make sure the vehicle seat belt is routed correctly
  • Fasten the safety seat tightly with vehicle seat belt
  • Fit the child safety seat harness snugly to the child

For more information on choosing the correct seat, please visit the article, "How to find the Right Seat."

 

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