It is every parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe. However, no matter how careful the parents are, accidents can still happen. The fragile body of the child will receive the most serious or fatal injuries in a car accident.
We might not know it, but accidents happen every day. Last August 2021, New York City reported 9,565 car crash accidents citywide. Out of the reported number, 1,591 passengers suffered fatalities from the reported car crash.
Because of these incidents, the New York State Law enacted the booster seat law in every privately-owned car. The state established this law to promote the safety of every child passenger. A dedicated child safety seat would assure the safety of the child.
What You Need To Know About New York Car Seat Laws
New York State Law requires children below eight years of age to use a child restraint system in every car they will regularly ride. The law requires different child safety seats as they outgrow the seat’s height and weight requirements. The responsible adult should follow the stated requirements by the child safety seat manufacturer.
One example of this requirement is infant seats. Infants weighing around 22 pounds or less are required to use the manufacturer-approved infant seat. Infant seats should never be forward-facing and must always be positioned in the back seat.
These child restraint systems are set in place to protect the child from an unexpected car accident. Every state’s booster seat laws differ from one another. Before moving across borders, make sure that you check the other state’s booster seat regulations.
Car Seat Laws For Infant and Toddlers In New York
As mentioned above, the requirements for car seats vary depending on the child’s current height and weight. A 22-pound infant will have different child safety seat requirements from a 40-pound toddler. The adaptability of this law ensures the safety of the child as he moves towards late childhood.
Under New York City federal requirements, the following laws must be followed by the responsible adult:
Convertible Child Safety Seat Law
Convertible Child Safety Seats are dedicated for infants and toddlers weighing 40 pounds or less. These convertible child safety seats can also function as infant seats. If an infant is using this seat, it should follow the standard infant seat requirements.
Infants seated in a convertible seat should face the rear. The adult should also place the child’s safety seat at the back. Ensure that the child is properly restrained and comfortable in their position.
Toddlers over the age of 2 but weighing less than 40 pounds can safely use this convertible seat. The toddler can use this as a forward-facing seat if they meet the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests having the child face rear until they outgrow the set requirements.
New York Booster Seat Law
When a child outgrows their convertible child safety seats, they can start using booster seats. A booster seat is dedicated for children weighing around 40 to 80 pounds. The target age for a booster seat is approximately 4 to 8 years old. However, if a child above eight years of age weighs below 80 pounds and stands at 4 feet and 9 inches, they can still use a booster seat.
It is important to utilize both the shoulder seat belt and the lap belt when using a booster seat. These belts will help keep the child restraint. Though there are no laws restricting child safety seats to be positioned in the front seat, seating children in the rear seat is still the safest option.
Built-in Child Seat Law
Most manufacturers of motor vehicles offer built-in child safety seats. Though these seats provide convenience, there are still some downsides to using built-in booster seats. A general rule of thumb for built-in seats is to follow what is stated in the owner’s manual.
One of the most commonly faced problems with built-in booster seats is the lack of specific weight and height limits. Most built-in seats are adjustable. The user can adjust built-in child safety seats to accommodate the height and weight of the child.
This broad coverage of height and weight limit makes the built-in booster seat not recommended for infants. Parents should ensure that their booster seat is suitable for the child’s weight and height. The parents should also ensure that child safety seats are properly installed to prevent accidents.
Children Seat Belt Law
New York Law places the utmost importance on their seat belt law. For children who are no longer suitable for booster seats, they are mandated by the law to use the standard vehicle seat belt. For maximum protection, the law requires the child to utilize both the seat belt and the lap belt.
The law also requires front-seat passengers to wear the vehicle-provided seat belt. There are no existing laws restricting a child from sitting in the front passenger seat. However, most professionals strongly recommend not to let a child take the front seat. Seat belts are required by the law to prevent any serious injury following a car accident.
Exceptions On New York’s Seatbelt Law
The Seatbelt Law encompasses all functioning vehicles in New York State. However, there are also limitations to this law.
Public utility vehicles such as public buses do not apply to this law. Since public buses don’t have a seat equipped with seat belts, they cannot follow the established regulation. But, bus drivers are required by the law to use their seat belts.
Individuals with physical limitations which inhibit them from using a seat belt can also be excused to follow this law. But, they must present a medical certificate from their doctor before they can be exempted from the seat belt law.
Other limitations for the seat belt law in New York include emergency-use vehicles and motor vehicles manufactured from the year 1964 and older. Older cars are not yet equipped with seat belts.
Is The Car Seat Law Applicable To Taxi Or Shuttle Services?
Public vehicles such as taxis or shuttle services are not required by the law to install child restraint systems in their car. However, The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission allow passengers to install their child safety seats in a taxi.
The New York State law requires all passengers to use the available seat belt while riding the car. Children below the age of seven are allowed to sit on their parent’s lap if a child’s safety seat is unavailable.
Penalties For Violating New York’s Car Seat Laws
The New York State Law punishes drivers who do not have an appropriate restraint system installed in their car while riding with a child. Drivers who are riding with a child below eight years old should have a properly installed child restraint system in their car.
Disobedient drivers could face a $50 fine for not following the child seat laws. On top of that, if the child is not properly restrained in the car, they can be charged with a $100 fine for breaking the law. The insubordinate driver will receive three driver violation points in their license if convicted.
Contact Our Top Personal Injury Law Firm To Know More
These booster seats and child restraint systems are created to keep the child safe from any unexpected harm. These laws are established to keep our children from dangerous and life-threatening situations. Preparedness and substantial due care are still the best protection we can offer to our children.
If your family suffers from the death of your child because of defective car seats, broken seat belts, or negligent driver, you would need the help of experienced personal injury lawyers. Our skilled personal injury lawyer has a proven background when it comes to car accident cases.
At Giordano Law Offices Personal Injury & Employment Lawyers, we assure our clients that we take their cases seriously and provide only the best service. Call us now at (646) 217-0749 or fill up this form for a free case consultation.