Texas Car Seat Laws
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury for children over a year old. The importance of child safety seats and car seat and seat belt laws cannot be overstated.
At What Age Can My Child Stop Using a Car Seat?
Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Section 545.412, a child who is under the age of 8 must use a child safety seat, unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. There are some exceptions to this rule, which are covered below.
How Much is a Ticket For No Car Seat in Texas?
A person who does not keep a child under the age of 8 in a child seat can be fined between $25 and $250.
What Are the Exceptions to the Texas Car Seat Laws?
There are a number of exceptions to the child safety seat requirement in Texas. The exceptions and defenses are as follows:
- If the child is at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, the child does not have to be in a child car seat.
- It is a defense to prosecution if the driver was operating a vehicle in an emergency.
- It is a defense to prosecution if the driver was operating a vehicle for a law enforcement purpose.
- Taxis, limousines, hired shuttles, public transit buses and other vehicles for hire are usually excepted from this requirement.
- There is an exception to this requirement if all the seats with child safety seat systems or seat belts are occupied.
How Long Should Children Ride in Rear-Facing Safety Seats?
Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are 2 years old, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their safety seat’s manufacturer.
What Are Texas’ Booster Seat Requirements?
Texas requires that child safety seats are used based on manufacturer recommendations. NHTSA recommends that booster seats be used in the back seat from ages 4 to 8 and when the child weighs over 40 pounds unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Texas?
There is no law in Texas specifies when a child can sit in the front seat. However, the law requires that all child safety seat systems must be used according to owner’s manual. Most vehicle manufacturers’ require and recommend keeping all children 12 years and younger in the back seat. Additionally, rear-facing child seats cannot be used in the front seat of cars equipped with front passenger airbags in most situations. Children are safer if they are properly restrained in the back seat than in the front seat.
What Does the Law Say About Seat Belts and Children?
It is against the law to allow a child under the age of 17 to ride in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt, if the vehicle is equipped with seatbelts. In Texas, a ticket for seatbelt violation can cost up to $250. It’s vitally important for parents to make sure the kids are buckled up before putting the car in drive.
Did You Know…
Did you know that trained child seat inspectors will inspect your car seat installation and help you properly install your car seat free of charge? Just visit safercar.gov to find an inspection center near you.
To learn more about NHTSA recommendations for the use of child safety seats and booster seats, visit NHTSA website by clicking the image below:
Contact Us
Our law firm does not handle traffic or seat belt tickets, however, if you or someone you love has been accused of criminal offense involving child, such as child endangerment, call for a complimentary strategy session. During this call we will:
- Discuss the facts of your case;
- Discuss the legal issues involved, including the consequences of the allegation; and
- Discuss the defenses that apply and, in general, discuss our approach to your case.
Call us at (817) 203-2220 or reach out online.
