Car seat laws in FLA?

[TammyLynn33]

Is it age or height? Think my boys are close and it looks much quicker cheaper to taxi/Uber as opposed to mini van

 

[SteveH]

https://newcarseatlaws.com/florida/

 

[joelkfla]

Is it age or height? Think my boys are close and it looks much quicker cheaper to taxi/Uber as opposed to mini van

Age only:

• 0-3: approved car seat
• 4-5: either car seat or approved booster seat
• 6+: no requirement

 

[rg35]

While the law might be age, that's not a good guideline for safety. You should determine if you want to put your child in a car seat based on their height and weight. The law might be the law, but that won't protect your child in the case of an accident.

 

[JimMIA]

Age only:

• 0-3: approved car seat
• 4-5: either car seat or approved booster seat
• 6+: no requirement

Also, ALL minors 6-18 years of age MUST have their seat belts fastened, regardless of where they are sitting in the car.

 

[JimMIA]

While the law might be age, that's not a good guideline for safety. You should determine if you want to put your child in a car seat based on their height and weight. The law might be the law, but that won't protect your child in the case of an accident.

Great point. We have to focus on what is really important here -- the safety of the child.

Car seats and boosters are inconvenient when you are on vacation -- no question about that. But remember what is really important.

 

[JimMIA]

One other thing parents should know about child car seats: Under Florida Law, the responsibility for car seat protection of your child is your responsibility.

For-hire vehicles and drivers are specifically exempted from providing car seats, but proper child restraints are still required. This is the last paragraph of Florida Statute 316.163, which is the child car seat statute:

"(6) The child restraint requirements imposed by this section do not apply to a chauffeur-driven taxi, limousine, sedan, van, bus, motor coach, or other passenger vehicle if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. It is the obligation and responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare as defined in s. 39.01 to comply with the requirements of this section."

There was a recent situation in Orlando in which a taxi was involved in an accident with children under six aboard. The PARENT received the ticket.

Child car seat tickets involve both a fine and points on your driver's license, and you could get one ticket for each child not properly restrained.