Hi,
We've been wondering about the same issues, so thanks for posting the question and making me do some research about it.
I've found this on the Florida Dept Of Transportation website. We've also found a few different products that adjust the height of the shoulder strap so that we wont have to bring our own car seats along with us. These strap adjusters lower the height of the diagonal strap so that shorter passengers wont have the strap across their chin. The web site for a couple of these products are below. I want to strongly remind anybody who might purchase one of these products that we have no affiliation with any of these manufacturers and have not used any of these products ourselves. Therefore we are not able to attest to the workability or saftey in any way.
Hope this is helpful
CAR SEATBELT ADJUSTERS
http://www.mypreciouskid.com/seat-belt-adjuster.html
http://www.mailorderexpress.com/10150_Sunshine_Kids_Sure_Fit_-_Seat_Belt_Positioner.asp
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FLORIDA DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/HighwaySafetyGrantProgram/hsgp/HSGPareas_OccupantFAQ.htm#Florida's%20Child
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1. Can a passenger in a motor vehicle be ticketed for not wearing a safety belt?
Yes. All front seat occupants must buckle up, regardless of age. Passengers under the age of 18 must be belted in either the front or back seat of the vehicle. (FL Statute 316.614).
2. What is the fine for a safety belt violation?
Penalty for violation is $30.00 plus other legal assessments.
3. Can a car seat be used on an airplane?
Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats are certified to be used on airplanes. Booster seats and travel vests are not. You should check the label on the seat and call the airline before you travel to be sure your seat meets current Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
4. What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?
All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).
5. What is the fine for a child restraint violation?
Penalty for violation is $60 and 3 points.
6. If the safety belt does not fit my child correctly should the shoulder belt be placed under the child's arm for a better fit?
Never put the shoulder belt under a child's arm or behind the back, as this increases the risk of severe injury in a crash. Use a booster seat to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts for children once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats at about 40 pounds and around 4 years old. Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and 4'9" should ride in a belt positioning booster seat.
7. When can my child face forward?
Infants must ride rear-facing until they are at least one year old and weigh 20 pounds or more. Rear-facing, the infant should be semi-upright at an angle or no more than 45 degrees. A forward-facing older child should ride sitting upright. Never place a child in a child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger air bag.
8. What if my baby is over 20 pounds but is not 1 year old?
There are now several infant and convertible seats that can be used rear-facing at higher weights.
9. Which child restraint device is the safest for my child?
Child safety seats that meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and are used according to the vehicle owner's manual and child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
10. How can I determine if my child safety seat has been recalled?
You can find out by calling the manufacturer of the Auto Safety Hotline at 888/DASH - 2 - DOT or visit the website
http://www.cpsc.gov. Note: Clicking this link will open another instance of the web browser.
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Related Links (Note: Click the below related links will open another instance of the web browser).
Visit the Florida Highway Patrol
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us
A MUST SEE website
http://www.kidseat.org
To check on car seat recalls
http://www.cpsc.gov
NHTSA Child Passenger Training website
Contains about classes and a list of certified technicians.
http://nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps
Check on the safety of specific car seats
http://www.carseat.org
For child product recalls and other safety tips
http://www.babybag.com
SAFE KIDS
http://www.safekids.org
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The Fozzies
