The state of New Jersey has made important changes to its Car Seat Law. These changes take effect September 1, 2015. Here’s what you need to know:
- Children under the age of 2 and weighing less than 30 pounds must be in a rear facing car seat with a five-point harness. The car seat must be in a rear seat of the vehicle.
- From age 2 through age 4 and weighing up to 40 pounds, children must be secured in a seat with a five-point harness, rear facing until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing car seat, then in a forward-facing seat in the rear seat of the vehicle.
- For ages 4 until age 8 and less than 57” (4’9”), children must be seated in a five-point harness seat until they reach the upper limits of the seat, then in a belt-positioning booster seat, also in the rear seat of the vehicle.
- Age 8 through 17 must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.
- If there are no rear seats (e.g., standard cab pickup truck), the child must be secured in the appropriate car seat or booster for their age, weight and height, in the front passenger seat.
- If the child is in a rear-facing car seat, the passenger side airbag must be disabled or turned off.
If you have questions, need more information or would like to schedule a Safe Kids presentation for your school or community organization, contact SafeKids Southern New Jersey at 856.342.2082 or safekids@cooperhealth.edu.
Register for one of our upcoming free car seat safety inspections.
Register for one of our Baby 101: Newborn Care and Car seat Safety classes.
Media contact:
Wendy A. Marano
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
Office: 856.382.6463
Mobile: 856-904-1688