New Child Seat Law Takes Effect July 1

Effective July 1, 2011, children under age 8 must be properly secured in an approved car seat or booster seat while riding in: Passenger automobiles, Vans, and Pickup trucks

The car seat and/or booster seat must:

- Be appropriate for the child’s weight & height
- Meet all federal standards
- Be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s
instructions

Exemptions:

- Children under age 8 whose height is over 4’9” (57”)
- Parent or Guardian has a written statement from a physician that the child has a physical or medical
condition that prevents placing or restraining them as required by law

Exceptions:

A child under age 8 and weighing at least 40 pounds is not exempt from the law. They may use a lap belt only instead of a car seat or booster seat when:

The vehicle is not equipped with lap & shoulder belts; or Excluding the driver’s seat, all seating positions with lap & shoulder belts are being used to restrain other children. In this case, the placement of car seats/boosters seats should be evaluated to determine if they can be repositioned to provide the best protection for all children being transported.

Fine:

1st conviction – not more than $50

2nd & subsequent convictions – not more than $100

Points assessed against violator’s driver’s license:

1st conviction – 1 point, 2nd & subsequent convictions – 2 points

For more information about the Georgia law visit www.gahighwaysafety.org