Car seat laws vary from state to state, which can be confusing, especially if you`re traveling to different states. We`ve made it easy for you by researching and maintaining a full list of car seat laws for each of the 50 (and more) U.S. states here. We review each state`s laws annually and update them as changes are made. Nebraska Car Seat Act latest revision / update 10/10/2020; modified to increase the age from 6 to 8 years and add to 2 GB retrograde, came into effect on January 1, 2019 These examples can help you choose the right child seat Each car seat should be installed with the bottom anchorages or a seat belt to hold it in place, never both. If you decide to install your car seat with a seat belt, pay close attention to how you “lock” your seat belt according to the vehicle owner`s manual. For a forward-facing car seat, use a rope if available. Before installing your car seat, make sure you understand the function and location of the vehicle and car seat parts used during installation. There are many car seats on the market. Use the following information to select the type of car seat that best suits your child`s needs, or print NHTSA`s child car seat recommendations (PDF, 370 KB). All states and territories require infant and child seats that meet certain criteria, but requirements vary based on age, weight and height. This is done in three stages: facing the road; forward-facing (attached) seats; and booster seats. Use these recommendations to choose the type of car seat that best suits your child`s needs.

Car seats and pressure increases provide protection for infants and children in the event of an accident, but car accidents are one of the leading causes of death among children aged 1 to 13. That`s why it`s so important to choose and use the right car seat every time your child is sitting in the car. Follow these important steps to choose the right seat, install it correctly, and protect your child. Learn more about the four types of car seats, keeping in mind the following tips: Michigan Car Seat Act last revision / update 10/10/2020 {A bill was considered to make changes to the law in 2017-2018, but it appears that it has not been fully passed into law at this time.} Last revised/updated Florida Car Seat Act on 10/10/2020 (a 2019 bill to update the state`s Car Seat Act failed) Many laws require all children to drive in the back seat whenever possible, and most states allow children of a certain age, Height or weight to use an adult seat belt. Louisiana Car Seat Act last revised/updated 10/10/2020 (the state`s new car seat law went into effect on October 1. August 2019 in effect) Follow your car seat manufacturer`s instructions for when and how to use the rope for your particular seat. NHTSA recommends always using a rope with a forward-facing car seat installed with your vehicle`s seat belt OR lower anchorages, as long as it is approved by both the car seat and the vehicle manufacturer. IMPORTANT: Both installation methods are designed to work with the rope to achieve maximum safety for child seats attached to forward-facing car seats.

Whether you`ve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using it, ask for help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge in most cases and show you how to install and use it properly. Some sites now offer virtual inspections. Your child`s safety could be compromised if your car seat is not properly installed. Before installing your car seat, make sure you know the vehicle and car seat parts used in the installation process and these important installation safety tips. Keep your child in rear- and forward-facing seats for as long as possible. Don`t rush to put a child in a booster seat before they`re ready. Booster seats are recommended until a child reaches a height of 4`9″. Children under 8 years of age must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat. Children 8 years of age OR 4`9″ or older may be restrained by a booster seat but wear at least one seat belt. Congratulations – you have chosen the right car seat and installed it correctly. Now it`s time to register your car seat with the manufacturer for recalls and safety instructions so your child can stay safe.

You can also sign up for NHTSA to receive email alerts about car seat and booster seat recalls. As a general rule, there are at least three support anchorages in a vehicle. In sedans, these are usually located above/behind the rear seat of the vehicle on the rear shelf. In some larger vehicles, such as vans, pickup trucks and SUVs, these grab anchors can be found in the back of a vehicle seat, on the floor, on the ceiling or elsewhere. ** As of November 1, 2020, all occupants of motor vehicles 16 years of age and older will be required to wear a seat belt. ** The rope is located at the upper rear of convertible, station wagon and all-in-one car seats. It is adjustable and has a hook and strap connected to one of your vehicle`s holding anchors. Most rear-facing car seats in the U.S. do not use rope for installation. However, facilities vary from model to model, so you should carefully read your car seat instructions and your vehicle`s owner`s manual. In our years of experience as certified car seat technicians, parents have never told us that they have been cited for using their U.S. certified car seat in another country when visiting as tourists.

Many car seat sites and forums tell stories of traveling abroad with their usual car seat without problems, even renting cars and passing through checkpoints. We wish you many happy and safe trips with your children. Used to attach a forward-facing car seat and limit forward head movement in the event of an accident Keep your child facing back for as long as possible. This is the best way to protect it. Your child must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by your car seat manufacturer. Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat, they are ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a belt and restraint belt. Lower anchorage weight limit = 65 lbs – Car seat weight New York State law requires all front passengers to wear seat belts. Children under the age of 16 must wear seat belts when in the front or rear seats. Children under the age of four must board in safety seats. See the information above on the safety restraint systems required for children up to their 8th birthday. The penalty for seat belt or car seat violation is a fine of up to $50.

If the violation applies to a person under the age of 16, the driver will receive a fine of up to $100 and three driver violation points on conviction. Registering your seat makes sense: it gives the manufacturer the opportunity to inform you about recalls and safety instructions. It`s also very simple: just send the card that came with your child seat or fill out a simple form on the manufacturer`s website. California law requires all children under the age of two to ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 pounds or more OR is 40 inches tall or more. Car Seat Finder is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to compare seats and ease of use to find the right car seat for your child. Simply enter your child`s age, height, and weight above, and you`ll get types of car seats that suit your child. Before you begin, make sure you know the four types of car seats and NHTSA`s recommendations for choosing the right type of seat for your child. This is the most up-to-date list of state car seat laws.

Annual update so you can know the local car seat laws by state to maximize vehicle safety for your kids. Find car seats for your child by brand or search for details on a specific car seat model. Alabama Car Seat Act latest revision / update 10/7/2020 Always read the instructions and information contained in the vehicle owner`s manual on the use of child seats or child restraint systems. Make sure you install and use the seat or system correctly at all times.