Car Laws in the US
When it comes to keeping drivers and passengers safe on the roads, the US has implemented strict car laws relating to children. We want you and your family to be prepared for purchases, laws, and other nuances that come with driving or being in a car in the US. It's a great time to start talking to your children to prepare them for car rides!
Seatbelts
- Headline: "For drivers and front-seat passengers, using a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent in an SUV, van or pickup and by 45 percent in a car." - IIHS
- Seatbelts are required by lawLinks to an external site. for all occupants in a vehicle, including children, adults, drivers, and passengers. The amount of seatbelts available in a vehicle equates to the amount of passengers allowed. For example, if you have a family of 6, but your vehicle only seats 5, you must find a separate car to place the extra passenger.
- Seatbelt tickets range from $15-150 USD per passenger not wearing it. More serious charges and fines may also be imposed for children not properly restrained with a seatbelt or car seat. State specific laws may be found hereLinks to an external site..
- Children and passengers may not "roam" in the vehicle while it is in motion. Everyone should be seated and wearing a seat belt.
Car Seats
FACT: 325 children under the age of 5 are saved by car seats in accidents each year.
- Car seats are required by lawLinks to an external site. in all 50 states. Age, height, and weight are all factors when states decide what is safest for children.
- Most commonly seen is children under 8 or 80 pounds must be in a car seat/booster seat.
- Car seats must be in the back seat. Front passenger airbags pose a serious threat to your child, as the force of the airbag is too strong for their bodies.
- Car seats cost between $100-500 USD. Each child must be restrained properly.
- Car seats come with expiration dates. Be sure to check the date if you are buying directly from the store, borrowing a friend’s, or purchasing a used one. Most commonly purchased car seats can be found hereLinks to an external site..
- Car seats involved in car accidents will be destroyed by police on scene. This happens because the car seat may no longer be safe for your child after the impact. Your car insurance (required by law) will process payment to replace it in a timely manner.
- For more information on finding the correct car seat, installation, and keeping your child safe, please visit the National Highway Transit Safety Authority site hereLinks to an external site.. You can also visit your local fire department for car seat installation and inspection, at no cost.
- Installation of car seats:
Front Seat & Airbags
- Each state has a front seat law. Age, height, and weight will determine where your child should be seated in the car.
- Car seats are not permitted in the front seat. (wanted to repeat from above)
- Front seats feature front airbags and curtain airbags. These are dangerous to children due to their size.
- The safest place for children under 13 is the back seat.
- Children are never permitted to sit on laps of other passengers.
Leaving children unattended in the car
- 20 states have made it illegal to leave a child unattended in the car.
- Leaving a child in the car makes them susceptible to heat stroke, hypothermia, and damage to vital organs.
- Americans are taught to keep their eyes out for children left alone in vehicles. Bystanders may call 911 anytime they see a child left unattended. Police and other emergency services will enter your vehicle by whatever means necessary.
- Leaving your child in the car may come with serious charges, including jail time and your child being taken away.
- Best practices to avoid leaving your child unattended include leaving your child with another trusted adult if they are sleeping or not feeling well, checking your backseat every time you get out of your vehicle, or scheduling your errands around times that work best for your child to leave the vehicle with you.
- Do not leave your car running while you are not in it. This makes you a target for car thieves and abductors. Always take your keys and lock your vehicle.