When is my child big enough for a lap belt? When your child is 8 years old OR at least 80 pounds, whichever comes first. The seat belt must be properly fitted at all times. Placing the shoulder belt behind the child's back or under the arm is both dangerous and illegal.
When can I put my child in a booster seat? It is legal to switch to a booster seat at any weight as long as the child is within the booster's weight range. However, it is not generally recommended to use booster seats until after the front-facing child restraint (CR) with a harness is outgrown, usually about 40 pounds. Children less than 8 years old and less than 80 pounds in North Carolina are required to be in some type of child restraint device. Most parents and other care givers comply by using belt-positioning booster seats for children between 40 and 80 pounds.
What if my vehicle doesn't have seat belts? All passenger vehicles made after 1967 and light trucks and vans made after 1971 are required, by federal standards, to have seat belts.
Who is exempt from wearing seat belts? Passengers in vehicles made before 1968 (light trucks and vans before 1972) whose vehicles are not equipped with seat belts, large buses, ambulances and other emergency vehicles, if the child's 'personal needs' are being tended to, if all seating positions with belts are occupied.
Effective June 1, 2007, the 'personal needs being tended to' exemption will be removed from NC law.
What are the penalties if I'm caught using improper child restraints? Number one, your child faces serious injury or death if you are involved in a vehicle crash. The driver is responsible for all children under the age of 16 riding in his/her vehicle. Penalties include, fines, court costs, and driver license points.
Can my child ride in the back of a pick-up truck? Children less than 12 years of age cannot ride in the back of a pick-up truck.
Except!!
If adult is present in bed or cargo area and is supervising the child, or;
If child is secured or restrained by seat belt in compliance with FMVSS 208 installed to support load of 5,000 lbs. for each belt and of a type approved by the Commissioner, or;
An emergency situation exists, or;
Vehicle is being operated in a parade pursuant to a valid permit, or;
Vehicle is being operated for agricultural purposes, or;
In counties with no incorporated town with a population greater than 3,500.
Where can I find out more about seat belt law, child restraints, bicycle helmets, etc.? By visiting www.buckleupnc.org
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