Virginia’s New Car Seat Law: What You Need to Know

June 11, 2018 by Marianne Halterman | 0 comments

LAW: This Spring, Virginia’s legislature passed a new, stronger law on child passenger safety, and Governor Northam signed the bill into law. It makes Virginia children safer by requiring them to remain rear-facing in their car seats until they reach age 2 or the minimum weight limit called for by the car seat manufacturer. If your vehicle does not have a back seat, the child may sit in the front passenger seat but only when the passenger seat airbag is deactivated. The law does not apply to taxis, school buses or limousines.The law does not go into effect until 2019, which is why we are providing tips to make it the law in your car now.

FINE: Break the law and the fine for a first offense is $50.

WHEN: Virginia’s new car seat law goes into effect on July 1, 2019. But, you can start keeping your toddlers safer TODAY. Keep your small child safer in a rear-facing position.

WHY: The law is based on current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Infants and Toddlers are “head heavy,” and the rear-facing car seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of smaller children as their bodies are still developing.

OLDER KIDS: Virginia law is unchanged for older kids. Children 7 years and under must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle. An adult seat belt is permissible ages 8-17, and seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers.

GUIDE: Safe Kids created The Ultimate Car Seat Guide, which is your go-to resource for personalized car seat safety tips based on your child’s age and weight. Check it out and learn what type of car seat is best for your child and tips on how to properly install and fit the car seat. The Guide is now also available en Espanol!

CHECK IT OUT: You can get your child’s car seat inspected by a certified technician. Contact your local Virginia Safe Kids Coalition to find out how. The federal government also has a feature to find car seat technicians.

RESOURCES:

THANKS: Virginia Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) championed the bill with support from Safe Kids Virginia, Children’s National Health System and AAA Mid-Atlantic. Safe Kids’ work on child passenger safety and the Ultimate Car Seat Guide are made possible by General Motors.