Parents have the very serious job of ensuring their children are happy, healthy and safe. We do everything we can to make sure they have the best toys, medical services, as well as car seats. One of the most important things a parent can do is to make sure that the seat you choose is appropriate for your child’s age and weight and is installed correctly. New Jersey enacted new child restraint laws that parents should know and follow.
Ensure Your Child Is as Safe as Possible
On September 1, 2015, new laws for child safety seats took effect in New Jersey. The new law follows the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and follows guidelines based on your child’s age, weight, and height.
- Children under age 2 and children who weigh under 30 pounds – Must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat equipped with a five-point harness.
- Children ages 2-4 and who weigh up to 40 pounds –Must be secured in a child safety-seat equipped with a five-point harness, either rear-facing or forward-facing, depending on the weight limits of the particular seat.
- Children ages 4-8 and who are less than 57 inches (4 feet 9 inches) tall – Must be secured in a forward-facing child safety seat equipped with a five-point harness or in a booster seat, up to the height and weight limits of the particular seat.
- Children ages 8 – 17 – Must use the vehicle’s standard seatbelt. The backseat is safer for children under the age of 13.
You can read the full text of the new law on the New Jersey state legislature’s website.
To ensure your child restraint is suitable and installed correctly, the New Jersey State Police will be conducting free child safety seat checkpoints on certain days each month. No appointment is needed, so visit a free inspection station near you to ensure you are complying with the new laws.
If your child has been injured in a serious car crash, contact a lawyer at Cordisco & Saile today. We will be an advocate on your child’s behalf and will fight to protect your child’s rights after an auto accident in New Jersey.
