I have a station wagon with two rear facing seats in the trunk. Everything I have read says that children are safer in there without a car seat or booster. What if the child is physically big enough but not yet five years old? Would it be illegal? Note: these seats are children's seats, the weight limit is 70 pounds.
2006-08-30 12:06:48 · 10 answers · asked by Marina S 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Every state has different laws on child safety seat regulations. In Michigan, legally, the child can be out of a car seat at 4 yrs. My daughter is 5, and still uses her booster seat. It is recommended that children should be atleast 4'8" before riding in a seatbelt alone. Under this height, they are not tall enough for the seatbelt to fit properly which can cause neck and head injuries if you are in an accident. Children should always be in a rear facing seat until they are 1 year old. For information on your state, check out the website listed below. It will tell you laws in your state!
On a personal note...Two months ago, I was rear ended by an elderly driver. The back of my Jimmy was smashed all the way into the back seat. My daughter suffered a concussion, because the seatbelt was faulty which was holding my son's infant car seat. His carseat actually hit her in the head because of this (I am dealing with GM on a recall at the moment). The paramedics told me that if my daughter had not been in her car seat, she would have gone through the windsheild.
I am not sure if rear facing seats are a good idea if they are in the back of a station wagon, if there are no other seats to block them from the back window. If there is another seat in between them and the window, then that is different, but you didn't specify. Just thought that I would mention it due to my recent experience. Good luck and I hope this website helps.
2006-08-30 17:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by momoftwo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a booster seat where the weight limit is 95 pounds. The newer ones are built for bigger children due to the law being expanded to older children.
In my state, you could get a nice hefty fine of over $500 for a child not being in a child seat.
I suggest you look into your state's motor vehicle laws and child safety laws, this way your children are the safest they can be.
You definitely don't want to wager your child's life on what you might have seen from other sources besides legal ones. It could mean you losing your most valuable possession.
2006-08-30 12:15:13 · answer #2 · answered by catwymn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the state of South Dakota the law states that you don't need a car seat when the child reaches the age of 5 or weighs 40 pounds. What ever comes first.
2006-09-03 08:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by Lori K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state that you are living in. Here in Kansas they just passed a law that a child must be either 8 years of age, 80 lbs &/or 4'9" before they no longer need to be in a booster seat. Call you local Highway potral office
2006-09-02 17:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by aly_girl501 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where I live any child under 4' 9" is required to have a booster seat. Check with you local law enforcement and see what they say. Better to be safe than sorry.
2006-08-30 12:10:44 · answer #5 · answered by BeeFree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your states law is five years old but they are too big for there current booster you are going to need new seats, also note that some states (like Wisconsin) have higher weight or age limits (8 years old and 80 lbs and 4'8".... no I'm not kidding) and if traveling you are responsible for following them
2006-08-30 12:21:05 · answer #6 · answered by tpuahlekcip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most states have very specific guidlines. Where I live the age of your child does not matter it is the size. they must be 4'9" and 80 pounds before they can go without a booster seat. call your local health department and they can tell you anything you want to know
2006-08-30 12:11:06 · answer #7 · answered by not the mommy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as his head would not circulate over the incredible of the motor vehicle seat, he will nevertheless be secure along with his legs hitting the back of the seat. That and as long as he remains under the burden shrink i might save him rear dealing with as long as attainable, in view that he's the main secure that way. yet i grew to become Riley while he reached the burden shrink on the motor vehicle seat.
2016-10-01 02:43:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the seat belts on the rear facing seats fit the kids ,you are safe...
2006-08-30 12:14:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to check with your local police station as to what the laws are exactly in your area
2006-08-30 12:10:04 · answer #10 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋