FL car seat requirements?

[MsLefty]

What are the laws regarding car seat use in Florida? NJ requires a car seat or booster seat until a child is 8 years old or 80lbs. I was hoping to not have to lug a booster seat for my 6-yr old. Thanks!

 

[MsLefty]

Bumping for one more try. Anybody?

 

[beccasmom]

This is what I found.....

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/HighwaySafetyGrantProgram/hsgp/HSGPAreas_OccupantFAQ.htm#Florida's%20Child


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).

 

[toyac]

The 2004 Florida Statutes
Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL View Entire Chapter

316.613 Child restraint requirements.--

(1)(a) Every operator of a motor vehicle as defined herein, while transporting a child in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall, if the child is 5 years of age or younger, provide for protection of the child by properly using a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. For children aged through 3 years, such restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a seat belt may be used.


Soooo, no need for that separate car seat. After 3 years old, a seat belt can be used on its own.

 

[MsLefty]

Looks like I won't have to lug that booster seat after all. Thank you so much!

Pixie dust to all!

 

[disneymom3]

Well, a seat belt alone CAN be used according to the letter of the law, but if it doesn't fit the child right what is the point? I could see riding in a towncar or something to the resort and that's it, but if you are going to be driving around at all, I would still bring the booster unless your child can sit with their back against the seat, and knees bent while the seatbelt crosses their chest in the right place.

If you have a big one you don't want to carry, evenflo sells a lowback booster that is very portable and costs around $20. It's a great one to have on hand for times when you need an extra.