A new booster seat law, effective Aug. 28, will help keep older children safer in motor vehicles. It requires a child to be in a booster seat between the ages of four and seven, unless the child weighs at least 80 pounds or is at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. It also increases the fine for those who do not properly restrain children to $50 plus court costs.

“The previous law only required children under age four to be secured in an approved child safety seat, so many children weren’t being adequately protected,” said Highway Safety Director Leanna Depue. “Just a few more years in a booster seat can help prevent serious injury and may even save your child’s life.”

Serious injuries can result from improperly fitted safety belts, particularly for children ages four through seven who are secured only in a regular safety belt during a crash. These injuries are commonly known as “seat belt syndrome”, which are often life threatening or disabling. Booster seats help prevent this syndrome from occurring by raising the child up so the lap and shoulder belt fits them properly.

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Keeping Kids Safe

As children grow, how they are secured in your vehicle should change. Save your child from injury or death by buckling them in correctly at every stage.

1. Rear-facing infant seats are used from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.
2. Forward-facing toddler seats are used from age one and 20 pounds to about age four and 40 pounds.
3. Booster seats with lap and shoulder belts are used from about age four to at least age eight, until 80 pounds or 4 feet 9 inches tall*.
4. Lap and shoulder safety belts are used for children age eight and older, taller than 4 feet 9 inches, or more than 80 pounds.

*Note: Some booster seats are designed to accommodate children who weigh up to 100 pounds.