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Seat belt use and children
Infant and small children
All 50 states have Child Restraint System
laws that require children to travel in
approved Child Restraint System devices,
including booster seats. The age at
which seat belts can be used instead of
Child Restraint System may be different,
so you should be aware of the specific
requirements in your state where you
are travelling. Infant and Child Restraint
System must be properly placed and
installed in a rear seat.
For more information, refer to the
“Child Restraint Systems” section in this
chapter.
WARNING
Always properly restrain infants and
small children in a Child Restraint System
appropriate for the child’s height and
weight.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death to a child and other passengers,
Never hold a child in your lap or arms
when the vehicle is moving. Violent
forces during a collision will tear the
child from your arms and throw the child
against the interior or to be ejected from
the vehicle.
Small children are best protected from
injury in an accident when properly
restrained in the rear seat by a Child
Restraint System that meets the
requirements of the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards. Before buying
any Child Restraint System, make sure
that it has a label certifying that it
meets the applicable Safety Standards.
The Child Restraint System must be
appropriate for your child’s height and
weight. Check the label on the Child
Restraint System for this information.
Refer to the “Child Restraint Systems”
section in this chapter.
Larger children
Children under age 13 and who are
too large for a booster seat should
always occupy the rear seat and use the
available lap/shoulder belts. A seat belt
should be snug against the hips and
be snug across the shoulder and chest
to restrain the child safely. A child’s
squirming could move the belt out of
position. Adults should frequently check
belt fit. In a collision, the safest place
for children is in the rear seats, using a
Child Restraint System appropriate for
the child.
If a larger child over age 13 must be
seated in the front seat, the child must
be securely restrained by the available
seat belt and the seat should be placed
in the rearmost position.
If the shoulder belt portion slightly
touches the child’s neck or face, try
placing the child closer to the center
of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still
touches their face or neck, the child
needs to return to an appropriate booster
seat in the rear seat.
WARNING
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Always make sure children’s seat belts
are buckled and properly adjusted.
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Never allow the shoulder belt to
contact the child’s neck or face.
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Do not allow more than one child to
use a single seat belt.
