It goes without saying that car seats keep infants and children safer in car accidents when they are installed and used properly.
But until now, many decisions about how car seats are used, and for how long, have been left to the discretion of parents. That is set to change on September 1, 2015, when new laws concerning the use of car seats in New Jersey go into effect. The legislation was recently signed by Gov. Chris Christie and includes new rules about how long to keep babies and toddlers rear facing, and when it is okay for older children to go without a booster.
Birth to two years: The American Academy of Pediatrics has long been urging parents to keep their child’s car seat rear facing for as long as possible. The new law will require all children under two years of age who weigh less than 30 pounds to be secured in a five-point harness facing the rear of the vehicle.
Ages two to four: Children under age four and weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a car sear equipped with a five point harness in the back seat of the vehicle. Although not required over age two, it is highly recommended that children remain rear facing until the child outgrows the car seat manufacturer’s top height or top weight recommendations.
Ages four to eight: It is recommended that children remain in a five point harness until they outgrow the maximum height and weight requirements for their specific seat, at which point, children may transition to a booster seat. Children must be secured in a car seat or booster seat until they are eight years old or are taller than 57 inches.
Vehicles with no back seat: If a vehicle has no back seat, such as a pick-up truck, the child must be secured in a car seat or booster seat as described above, except that the passenger side airbag must be turned off. If the airbag cannot be disabled, the child cannot ride in the front seat.
The new legislation will also raise the fines violators will pay from the current ten dollars to $25 – $75 beginning September 1, 2015.
