- September 10, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Vehicle Accidents
If you’re a parent and a driver, it’s important that you stay up to date on New York’s laws regarding car seats and boosters. These are important, first and foremost, for your child’s safety; however, breaking one of the rules can result in hefty penalties in some circumstances.
We go into detail on the state’s rules on child car seats and boosters in this article, including guidelines for infant and convertible car seats and the fines associated with non-compliance.
Summary of New York Child Seat Laws
New York State law mandates that all children under the age of 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. The car’s ordinary seat belts will not suffice. Specifically, this means:
- Infants must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- Toddlers should transition to a forward-facing convertible car seat.
- Older children must use a booster seat until they reach the age of 8 or meet the height and weight requirements to use an adult seat belt.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car seats of all types save the lives of 325 children younger than 5 in the United States every year.
Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are designed for newborns and babies up to about one year old or until they reach the maximum weight and height limit specified by the car seat manufacturer. These seats must be installed in a rear-facing position, which provides the best protection for a baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision.
In New York, infants must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old, unless they exceed the height and weight limits before then. However, you’re better off keeping your child in this type of seat for as long as you can; until they outgrow their infant seat, it’s the safest way for them to travel. Experts state that infant seats are suitable for kids that weigh 22 pounds or less and are less than 25 inches tall.
You should not place an infant in the front passenger seat of a car that has a passenger-side airbag, as this may place your child at risk of serious harm in a crash situation.
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats are versatile options that can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. This allows for a longer period of use as your child grows. New York law encourages parents to keep their children in rear-facing seats as long as possible, typically until they are at least two years old. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing limits, you can convert the seat to a forward-facing position.
It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on weight and height limits to maximize the safety benefits offered by your convertible seat. Not only will disregarding these guidelines put your child at risk, it could get you in trouble with the authorities if you get pulled over.
According to data on the New York Department of Health website, a belt-positioning booster seat reduces the risk of injury in a crash for children between the ages of four and seven by 59% compared to adult seat belts.
Different Types of Convertible Car Seats
There are various types of convertible car seats you can pick from; the right choice for you will depend on the type of vehicle you drive, among other factors. The most common types of convertible seats include:
- Backless booster seats: Backless booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats but are still too small to use an adult seat belt alone. These seats elevate the child so that the seat belt fits properly over their shoulder and lap, providing necessary safety during travel.
- High-backed booster seats: High-backed booster seats offer additional support and protection with side wings and a headrest, making them ideal for vehicles without headrests or high seat backs. They also help guide the seat belt across the child’s body more securely.
- Combination seats: Combination seats are versatile options that transition from forward-facing car seats with a harness to booster seats. They are designed to accommodate children as they grow, providing a cost-effective and convenient solution for extended use.
New York Car Seat Fines
Failing to comply with New York’s child car seat laws can result in fines and points on your driving record. The fines for not using an appropriate child restraint system range from $25 to $100. Additionally, you can be hit with up to three points on your driving record for each car seat violation.
Exceptions to the Rules
Exceptions to child car seat rules only arise in very limited circumstances. If your child has a medical condition that prevents the use of a standard car seat or booster seat, for example, you should be entitled to an exemption. However, you should get a documented statement from a licensed physician confirming this; the statement should specify the medical reason for the exemption and the alternative method of restraint to be used. You should keep this in your vehicle to present to law enforcement if necessary.
You may also be entitled to skirt the rules in an emergency situation, such as if you’re rushing your child to the hospital.
If you get into trouble for breaking car seat rules, but you think you’ve been unfairly treated, we may be able to help you. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.
New York Car Accident Lawyers Who Understand the Rules
If you’ve been in a car accident and you need to pursue compensation, but you’re not sure where to start, our New York car accident attorneys can help. We have decades of combined experience when it comes to handling car accident claims, and no case is too big or too small for us to work on.
Contact us today by filling out our online contact form, or call us on (516) 399-2364. Initial consultations with us are always free, and you won’t have to pay us at all unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. Essentially, unless you get paid, we don’t either.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]