child restraint laws for fla?

[las3888]

Can anybody confirm that a 5 yr old does not need to be in any type of carseat in Florida? I was reading on the internet and it seems that a safety belt is all that is required. Just wondered if anybody could confirm that?

Thanks!

 

[all4fun]

Here's a link to the law:
http://www.inventiveparent.com/lawsreg4.htm#Florida

I personally would at least take a LBB if nothing else. Keep in mind while the Florida law might allow for it, the laws of physics are the same everywhere. If you child doesn't pass the 5-step test in the following link, then he or she could be in danger of severe internal injuries from a seatbelt if not riding in a booster of some sort. Low back boosters prevent internal seatbelt injuries known as "seatbelt syndrome". HBB's also give side impact protection.

5-step test:
http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm

 

[jodifla]

Can anybody confirm that a 5 yr old does not need to be in any type of carseat in Florida? I was reading on the internet and it seems that a safety belt is all that is required. Just wondered if anybody could confirm that?

Thanks!

That is the law.

Low back boosters are easy to travel with. That's what we use when traveling.

But there have been a few times at home in Florida where I've been stuck without a car seat, so I've just used the seat belt.

 

[perdidochas]

Can anybody confirm that a 5 yr old does not need to be in any type of carseat in Florida? I was reading on the internet and it seems that a safety belt is all that is required. Just wondered if anybody could confirm that?

Thanks!

It's true.

From Florida DOT:

[FONT=arial,helvetica,verdana]4. What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,verdana]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).[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,verdana]5. What is the fine for a child restraint violation?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,verdana]Penalty for violation is $60 and 3 points. [/FONT]

 

[las3888]

Thanks much. It's for my sister. I appreciate all the info including the 5 question test!

 

[lillygator]

I just found this out today as some parents at our daycare choose to let their 4 year old in the front seat with no car seat/booster. I was shocked that 3 is the age limit!

 

[ceburto2]

As the Dad of two young boys, my response to the child restraint question is....yes, early and often.

-ceburto2

 

[mrs.beast]

In CA they have signs that say 8yrs/80lbs. (Told by our aupair that it is the same all over europe) due to that is what is shown to be the safest in crash tests.
So, even though she doesn't have to, she probably should use a booster of some sort.
Also as a teacher of 2nd graders, over 1/2 of my students still use boosters on field trips as well as daily trips with their families.

 

[LegoMom3]

Also keep in mind that auto seat belts are designed for people who weigh a minimum of 80 pounds. A low-back booster not only lifts them up so the strap doesn't cut into the neck but also adds some bulk and helps the restraint do its job properly.