New Jersey has clear laws about car seats that help keep kids safe on the road. These laws tell parents and caregivers what kind of car seat to use based on a child’s age, weight, and height. Following these rules is important because car seats can save lives and reduce injuries if used correctly.
New Jersey’s Child Car Seat Requirements
The law says children under 2 years old and who weigh less than 30 pounds must ride in a rear-facing car seat with a five-point harness. This means the seat faces the back of the car and the straps hold the child securely at five points—over both shoulders, both hips, and between the legs.
Once a child is over 2 years old and weighs more than 30 pounds but is still under 4 years old and less than 40 pounds, they must use a forward-facing car seat with a harness. This seat faces forward but still has straps to keep the child safe.
When kids reach 4 years old and weigh more than 40 pounds but are under 8 years old and shorter than 57 inches, they need to use a booster seat. A booster seat raises the child up so the adult seat belt fits correctly over their shoulder and lap.
If a child is 8 years old or taller than 57 inches, they can start using the regular seat belt alone, but only if it fits properly. Proper fit means the shoulder belt rests on the collarbone, not the neck or face, and the lap belt sits low on the hips, not the stomach.
Booster Seats and Proper Seat Belt Fit
Booster seats are often skipped too soon, which can be dangerous. About 16% of kids aged 4 to 7 move from booster seats to seat belts early. Without a booster, the seat belt may not fit right, and this can cause serious injuries in crashes.
To check if a child fits a seat belt without a booster, you can try this test: Have the child sit with their back against the car seat, knees bent at the edge of the seat, and feet flat on the floor. If the seat belt fits across the shoulder and lap correctly, the child may be ready to use it without a booster. If not, the booster seat should stay in use.
Children should always ride in the back seat when possible. If a child has to sit in the front seat because there is no back seat, airbags should be turned off to avoid injury.
Common Mistakes With Car Seats
Many parents and caregivers make mistakes when using car seats, which lowers their safety benefits. Nearly half of all car seats are installed or used incorrectly. Common errors include:
- Not tightening the straps enough, allowing the child to move too much
- Skipping the top tether or lower anchors that secure the seat properly
- Moving children to the next type of seat before they meet the age, weight, or height requirements
- Putting a child in the front seat without disabling airbags
- Not reading or following the car seat or vehicle manual carefully
It is a good idea to have a certified technician check your car seat installation. Many local fire departments, police stations, or hospitals offer free car seat inspections.
Penalties for Not Following the Law
New Jersey enforces car seat laws with fines of up to $75 for violations. Besides the legal consequences, improper use of car seats can lead to serious injuries or death in crashes. Using the right car seat, fitting it correctly, and making sure the child stays in the right seat for their size and age can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 82%.
Even when a child is properly restrained, injuries can still happen in a crash, but they tend to be less severe. If a child is hurt because a car seat was not used or installed correctly, or if someone else was careless, it might be possible to seek compensation for those injuries.
Why Following These Laws Matters
Since 1975, child safety seats have saved more than 11,600 children’s lives in the U.S. For infants, car seats lower the chance of fatal injury by 71%, and for toddlers, the reduction is 54%. Booster seats alone can reduce the risk of injury by 45%. The right car seat can make a big difference.
Every parent or caregiver should understand and follow these rules. Not just because it’s the law, but because it helps keep children as safe as possible while traveling.
If you have questions or need help after an accident involving a child who was not properly restrained, it’s important to speak with a lawyer experienced in these cases.
Get Legal Help
If your child has been hurt in a crash or if you want to learn more about car seat laws and safety in New Jersey, call Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh today at (732) 229-3200. Our team can explain your rights and help you protect your family.