As of January 1 2020 all children under the age of 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat. All children under the age of 4 must be in a car seat. All children under the age of 8 must be in a booster seat.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles “Children must be properly secured in a federally approved child passenger safety seat when riding in a motor vehicle on a public highway. The seat must be appropriate for the child’s age height and weight. Children who are 2 years old or younger must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. Children who are 4 years old or younger and weigh 40 or more pounds must be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Children who are 8 years old or younger and weigh 80 or more pounds must be secured in a booster seat. Children of all ages must be properly secured in a seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle on a public highway.”
There are a few exceptions to the car seat law. If a child has a medical condition that prevents them from being properly secured in a car seat then they are exempt from the law. If a car does not have a rear seat then the child can sit in the front seat if they are in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age height and weight. If all of the car’s seats are taken by other children who are properly restrained then the child can sit in the front seat if they are in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age height and weight.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and you do not have your child properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat you will be issued a traffic ticket. The fine for not properly restraining a child under the age of 16 in a car seat or booster seat is $50.
Up to what age is a child required to be in a car seat in New York State?
A child is required to be in a car seat up until the age of 4.
What is the penalty for not having a child in a car seat?
The penalty for not having a child in a car seat is a $50 fine.
Are there any exceptions to the car seat law?
There are no exceptions to the car seat law.
What type of car seat is appropriate for a newborn?
A newborn should be in a rear-facing car seat.
When can a child switch to a front-facing car seat?
A child can switch to a front-facing car seat when they turn 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds.
When can a child switch to a booster seat?
A child can switch to a booster seat when they turn 4 years old OR when they weigh at least 40 pounds.
When can a child sit in a regular seat without a car seat or booster seat?
A child can sit in a regular seat without a car seat or booster seat when they turn 8 years old OR when they weigh at least 80 pounds.
Where should a car seat be placed in the car?
A car seat should be placed in the back seat of the car.
How many car seats can be placed in the back seat of a car?
A maximum of three car seats can be placed in the back seat of a car.
What should a child wear while in a car seat?
A child should wear a seatbelt while in a car seat.
What should a child NOT wear while in a car seat?
A child should NOT wear a coat while in a car seat.
Why shouldn’t a child wear a coat while in a car seat?
A child shouldn’t wear a coat while in a car seat because it can prevent the seatbelt from working properly.
What should be done if a child’s coat is too bulky to take off?
If a child’s coat is too bulky to take off they should wear it backwards.
How often should car seats be checked?
Car seats should be checked every time a child is in the car.
What should be done if a car seat is expired or recalled?
If a car seat is expired or recalled it should be disposed of and replaced as soon as possible.
