The leading cause of death for U.S. children is motor vehicle accidents. Using the proper car or booster seat restrains children in moving vehicles to reduce the risk of injury or death. New York car seat laws state that every child eight and under must be secured in the appropriate seat based on age, weight, and height.
Learn more about the importance of child and booster seats in NYS and how to choose the right one.
Why are there Car Seat Laws in New York?
A vehicle’s internal buckling system is insufficient for child safety, and restraint systems must be properly installed to work as intended. First, the booster seat must meet federal safety standards and be correctly positioned and installed. Also, NYS prohibits using these seats in the front passenger seat. Additionally, the safest location for child safety seats is away from airbag systems that could deploy during impact.
What is an Infant Seat?
An infant seat is used with children weighing 22 or fewer pounds and under 25 inches long. The seat is installed in the back seat of a vehicle and faces the rear of the vehicle. Usually, infant seats include a base that remains in the car, and the carrier is removed.
Some carriers are also designed to fit into matching strollers for convenience, so parents simply take the infant out of the vehicle and keep moving forward.
What is a Convertible Seat?
Some parents invest in convertible child safety seats to grow with their children throughout their infant and toddler days. A convertible safety seat must face the car’s rear when used for an infant.
As the child ages, the seat is repositioned to face the front of the vehicle, but should never be put in the front passenger seat. Usually, these convertible seats work until the child weighs about 40 pounds.
What is a Booster Seat?
When a child outgrows a convertible or toddler safety seat, a booster seat is a next solution to keeping them safe. A booster seat faces the car’s front and is used until the child can be put into an adult restraint system in the vehicle.
Typically, booster seats are for children between 40 and 80 pounds, between the ages of four and eight. Also, if your vehicle has a built-in child seat, always check to ensure it meets federal safety standards.
Fines for Not Following New York Car Seat Laws
A child safety seat is a legal requirement in New York state for children eight and under. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in costly fees and other issues. Plus, there is no price on peace of mind when it comes to keeping children safe.
Investing in the right child safety seat keeps drivers and kids safe and ensures parents meet the state’s regulatory requirements.
Child safety seats are necessary for children riding in motor vehicles in New York State. Failure to use the appropriate restraint system could result in costly fines and unsafe conditions for children. Investing in the right seat protects children and ensures drivers meet regulatory requirements in NYS.