Oklahoma State Law on Car Seats: Keeping Your Child Safe
The safety of your child is paramount, and Oklahoma law emphasizes this with strict regulations regarding car seats. Understanding these laws is crucial for every parent or guardian in Oklahoma.
Who Needs a Car Seat?
Every child under the age of 8, and under 4'9" tall, must be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat.
Infants must be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer.
Toddlers can transition to a forward-facing car seat once they reach the minimum weight and height requirements of their rear-facing seat.
Older Children can use a booster seat once they outgrow their forward-facing seat but are still under 4'9" tall.
Where to Place the Car Seat
The safest place for a car seat is in the backseat.
- Rear-facing car seats should be placed in the middle of the backseat, if possible.
- Forward-facing car seats and booster seats can be placed in the middle or on the sides of the backseat.
Never place a car seat in the front passenger seat if your vehicle has a front passenger airbag.
Specific Regulations
Car Seat Law in Oklahoma:
- Car seats must be certified by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213.
- Car seats must be properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Children must be properly secured in the car seat using the harness or belt system provided.
- Children cannot be transported in a car seat that is damaged or expired.
Penalties for Violation:
Violating any of these regulations can result in a fine of up to $200 and court costs.
Resources
For further information and resources on car seat safety in Oklahoma, you can visit:
- Oklahoma Highway Safety Office:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Remember: Keeping your child safe in the car is your responsibility. Understanding and adhering to the Oklahoma car seat laws is crucial for protecting them in every journey.
