Car Seat Law

[FreeTime]

We are taking our nephew who is 5 with us on our next trip. I just read in a magazine that 13 states require the use of car seats for kids up t age 8. Does anyone know what they are? I of course, would like him to have a seat after reading the article, but his parents won't force him to sit in it. So I need to know if he will need one from Ohio to Florida (going by way of W Va, Va, NC, SC, and GA.) Thanks

 

[CamColt]

Sorry I dont have any help for you, but I believe in MA a booster seat is only "recommended" until age 8, but I could be wrong. Ive actually been wondering about the law myself, so if anyone knows for sure what it is in MA, Id be interested in that state too. Thanks!

 

[ennazus]

This doesn't pertain to you... but in January, Maine will require children up to 8 years old to be in a booster seat.

 

[Steve H.]

Here's a site with all the car seat laws, broken out by state. You can look up the states you'll be in and check what the law says for each one.

 

[lovemickeya]

We are in Texas and we have that law-- rules are that child must be in a booster seat until his knees bend with the regular car seat, and that the shoulder strap must be on shoulder not around head or in front of face.-- I cant seem to get this tho to my parents- who keep telling my 3year old that when he turns 4 he isnt going to have to seat in a car/booter seat. He only weighs 29lbs anyway- he is going to be in a car/booster seat for awhile.

 

[EROS]

FORGET the State laws. I would tell his parents that you WON'T take him on the trip UNLESS he agrees to sit in a booster seat. Belts alone are dangerous for a 5 year old and may cause internal injuries in an accident. Do the BEST by your nephew..........don't worry about differing state requirements. My DW is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who is REALLY adamant about insuring the safety of kids in cars .


Have a great trip!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Steve H.]

I don't say this very often, but I agree 100% with Eros on this one.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Your Nephew will probably LOVE the booster seat!! This is why, at his age all he needs is one of the bottom, 'booster' parts. ( assuming that your back seat is high enough to be a head rest behind his head ) He will NOT feel like he is in a baby-seat. And he will be riding high and comfy, with a birds-eye view along the trip!

PS: if he is one of those children who wants to get out of their seat-belt... If you make it VERY clear from the outset that when he is in your car he MUST wear the seat and lap belt at all times. He will probably comply... Kids usually try to get away with everything with their parents, but are less likely to do so with somebody else in authority.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

 

[shortbun]

Ohio just passed the law for boosters but it doesn't
go into effect for a little while. Tell your nephew he
needs it to see out. My DS, age 7 and 60 lbs is still
using one. I agree-refuse to take him unless he's in
one. Your liability and your nephew are on the line
here.

 

[Serena]

My car doesn't go anywhere unless everyone is safe. It doesn't matter what his parents do, this is your car and your rules. A five year old does not get the option.

 

[lulugirl]

Some very valuable advice has been offered here!
A five year old should be in a booster seat, whether state law requires it or not. As a previous poster said "your car, your rules".
Have a safe, happy trip!

 

[FreeTime]

Thanks everyone! I guess I best be going out and getting him a seat. (Not a big deal because my kids will e able to use it later.)