Laws vary from state to state, but one thing is clear. States are cracking down on parents who let their children ride in a vehicle in an unsafe manner. One of the leading causes of child deaths arise from improper fastening of car seats, and lack thereof in vehicles. It is important to know that infants must remain in a rear facing car seat until they are the adequate age and weight. They are then transitioned into a car seat that has double straps, and are firmly secured in the back seat. The next step is a booster seat. Many states require that a child ride in a booster seat until they reach a designated age, weight, and or height.

A law in Delaware states that, "No child who is 65 inches or less in height and who is under 12 years of age shall occupy the front passenger seat of any vehicle equipped with a passenger-side airbag that has not been deliberately rendered inoperable in conformity with federal law. This subsection shall not apply to vehicles equipped with a passenger-side airbag specifically designed or modified by the vehicle's manufacturer for use by children and small adults."

To generalize Car Seat Laws, would be best as described below:

- Children under the ages of one year and under 20 pounds are required to be in a rear
facing care seat. This car seat should be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

- Children over the age of one, but under the age of four years that are between 20 and 40 pounds, should be placed in a forward facing car seat that is equipped with a harness. This car seat should be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

- Children over four years of age and between 40 and 80 pounds and under 4'9'' tall, should be placed in a booster seat. The booster seat should be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

- All car seats should be properly restrained, using the seat belts equipped in the vehicle.

- If the vehicle is equipped with front and side air bags, the child MUST be placed in the back seat.

- If the vehicle is not equipped with front and side air bags, the child may be placed in the front seat, however, it is strongly discouraged.

To find out your states car seat laws, go to http://www.carseat-safety101.c om/1-car-seat-safety-laws.htm .

References:

http://www.inventiveparent.com /lawsreg3.htm

http://www.ci.woodland.wa.us/D ept/Police/CHILD%20CAR%20SEAT% 20LAWS.pdf

Learn more about this author, Amber Richards.
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