Important for travelers through NC About This Page:

[HiddenMickey]

Seat Belt and Restraint Laws change Jan 1

I thought since so many people have to use Hwys I-95 and I-77 to get to Florida, you should be aware.

Here's the jist of it:

-All children less than 16 years of age must be properly restrained in a child restraint, booster seat, or safety belt no matter where they sit.
-Children less than age 5 and less than 40 lbs must be properly restrained in the back seat if the vehicle is equipped with an active front passenger side air bag.
-Children less then age 8 and less then 80 lbs must ride in weight-appropriate child restraint or booster seat certified to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
-When a child reaches age 8 (regardless of weight) or 80 lbs (regardless of age), a properly fitted safety belt may be used to restrain the child.

If there is no lap or shoulder belt equipped seating position available fore using a belt-positioning booster seat, a child less than age 8 and between 40-80 lbs may be restrained by a properly fitted lap belt only. WARNING: Belt-positioning booster seats must never be used with just a lap belt.

THE LAW APPLIES TO ALL PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH BOTH IN AND OUT OF STATE REGISTRATION. The DRIVER is held responsible for the proper restraingt of ALL CHILDREN IN the VEHICLE, regardless of his or her relationship to the child. The penalty for not complying with this law is TWO points on your driver's licence, a $25 fine, and $100 court costs.

For more information see www.buckleupnc.org or www.ncdot.org/secretary/GHSP

[Irene]

Thanks - I believe the law here in NJ is similar.

[Colexis Mom]

Thanks for the info!

[loobyoxlip]

Thanks. Here in Michigan they are trying to get a law passed that any child under the weight of 80 lbs must use a booster seat regardless of age. Lots of laws to know when you travel cross-country.

[WillCAD]

The restraint laws in Maryland are very similar, if not identical.

And earlier this year the MD State Police instituted a new policy; previously seat belt infringements were only added to a citation when you were stopped for something else like speeding. But the new policy is that the police will actually pull you over and cite you just for seat belt infringements.

Over the years I've seen a lot of parents letting thier small children stand up and walk around in moving vehicles, on both interstates and surface streets. I'm glad that the police are cracking down on this.

[karen63]

[ QUOTE ]
And earlier this year the MD State Police instituted a new policy; previously seat belt infringements were only added to a citation when you were stopped for something else like speeding. But the new policy is that the police will actually pull you over and cite you just for seat belt infringements.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's the same in Illinois.

[LizardCop]

Here's a link to SafeKIDS.org. Look on the right side of the page and there's a link titled "Learn about child safety laws and regulations". Click on the down arrow and select "all states" then click on GO. At the next page, click on the wondow and select "CAR". This will take you to a page with links to the appropriate pages for each state that tells you what the child restraint requirements are for that state. Child restraint violations are a "PRIMARY STOP" offense in all states!!

All states require children (under 16 in most states, under 18 in Florida) to be restrained regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.

[disneymom9092]

Thanks-that is very similar to COnnecticut!

[Wendyismyname]

That's pretty much the same law that will go into effect July 1, 2005 for Indiana, if I remember right. It's just really hard to imagine an 8 year old or 80 pound child sitting in a booster seat!

[Bert & Sully]

Thanks Suzie!

[RobDVC]

My 8 year old still uses his booster seat. I can't imagine how those parents that let little ones sit on their laps unbelted in the front seat of the car could think that is safe.

[Disneybound!]

Hey, fellow North Carolinian! Just wanted to know if you could clarify...I heard from a friend that it was 8 AND 80 lbs. Is this right? Reason why I ask is that I have a skinny little 10 yr old who weighs in, wet, at about 61, and that's if she's just ate! Besides, we're driving to WDW next June! Thanks, Ruth in Jamestown

[HiddenMickey]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey, fellow North Carolinian! Just wanted to know if you could clarify...I heard from a friend that it was 8 AND 80 lbs. Is this right? Reason why I ask is that I have a skinny little 10 yr old who weighs in, wet, at about 61, and that's if she's just ate! Besides, we're driving to WDW next June! Thanks, Ruth in Jamestown

[/ QUOTE ]

Reading this, quoted from the info above (came from the Chapel Hill Police Department)----

-When a child reaches age 8 (regardless of weight) or 80 lbs (regardless of age), a properly fitted safety belt may be used to restrain the child.

-----I interpret that to say that an 8 year old less than 80 lbs is fine in a seatbelt only. My 9 year old weighs less than 60 lbs and uses only a seatbelt.

-HiddenMickey