It’s always a good idea for people to wear the proper seatbelts/restraints when riding in a car. However, it’s mandatory, in most regions, for children (up to the age of 12 – or 4 ft 9 inches in height) to use safety seats when riding in automobiles.

Ages 0-3
Although laws vary from state to state, children from the ages of 0 to 3 should have the proper child restraints no matter if they’re riding in the front or back seats of any type of motor vehicle. It’s important that children under the age of three are restricted from riding in any vehicle that does not have seat belts installed. The only exception to this, are taxi cabs, buses and emergency vehicles, which don’t have restraints available.

Agest 3-12
From the ages of 3 through 12, the proper automobile restraint is can also be mandatory (depending on the region and the child’s age). In some jurisdictions, a child may travel in the rear seat of a car without a restraint but is required to be secured with a restraint when traveling in the front seat.

Choosing a Restraint
When choosing the proper restraint, it’s important that you check to make sure that the seat is properly certified. This will be indicated on the seat, itself, and a store representative should be able to assist you in making this determination. Even though most car seat models are designed to fit most cars, it’s always a good idea to try the seat in your own car, before purchasing – or at least make sure that there is a return policy, should the seat not fit your particular car. Always check for any visible defects, as these can prove to be devastating in the event of an auto accident.

Although a good car seat may be a bit costly, it’s certainly worth the expense to protect your child’s safety. It should also be noted, that while second hand car seats can be obtained, you should make sure the seat is not worn and that it adheres to the standards that are currently acceptable nation-wide.

If your child is going to stay with a friend or relative, you should also make sure that your child either has their own safety seat with them – or that the friend or relative has a proper child seat installed in their vehicle.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

If you’d like more information regarding child restraint defects, please contact Attorney Kristopher Barber, practicing in Dallas, Texas.