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Different States, Different Booster Seat Laws
It’s become fairly standard knowledge that children aged 8 and under must have some sort of booster seat or car seat in order to comply with local driving laws. Most of us have become accustomed to the laws and do our best to keep our children safe, regardless of whether we’re traveling home from the grocery store or heading on a long road trip across the country.
However, like many types of driving laws, there is no United States “rule” for booster seat regulation. For example, Florida and Arizona don’t require booster seats for children over the age of 4 at all, even though it goes against federal guidelines. You won’t get pulled over in Colorado for having a child in non-compliance with booster seat laws, but you can get pulled over for it in neighboring Wyoming.
Most U.S. states have their own regulations, and, much like turning right on a red light or making a U-Turn, states expect you to know the laws if you plan on making a trip through their borders.
In most cases, you’ll be safest if you stick to the federal guidelines:
Rear-facing infant seats are required for children under 1 year of age and 20 pounds or less.
Front-facing car seats with a five-point harness are ideal for children between the ages of 1 and 4, weighing in at 40 pounds or less.
Children aged 5 to 8 and under 4 feet 9 inches tall need to be in a booster seat.
No child under the age of 13 should ride in a front seat.
The fines associated with non-compliance also vary from state to state, but you can expect a ticket anywhere between $10 and $500 if you’re found operating against state law. Some states also require compliance if you are traveling by taxi, in a rental car, via postal truck, or even in a limousine.
As is usually the case when your child’s safety is a factor, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Before you travel into any other state, make sure you look up the local laws regarding booster seat laws and always do your best to keep up-to-date with federal guidelines. After all, the best outcome isn’t avoiding a ticket; it’s keeping your kids safe.