Car Seat Law in New Jersey Explained
New Jersey is one of the states that has primary enforcement of child restraint laws, but there are a number of exceptions to these laws upon the recommendation of licensed physicians. The law sets minimum requirements for the appropriate time period or until the child weighs 80 pounds or more.
Beginning in 1982, all vehicles registered in New Jersey were required to be equipped with safety restraints that met one of the federal motor vehicle safety standards regulations.
However, in 2010 , provisions of the law were amended to require that children less than two years of age be required to use a rear-facing seat in a rear seat of the motor vehicle based on the most recent advisory of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Providing a consent form that includes information about the use of child safety seats is the responsibility of birth certificate facilities. Hospitals are also required to provide brochures and information on the proper use of child safety seats.
While New Jersey does have car seat laws, parents and caregivers should bear in mind that recent studies have shown that the safest place for children age 13 and under to ride in the car is in the back seat.
New Jersey Rear-Facing Car Seat Rules
New Jersey law requires that, regardless of the type of car seat used, children who weigh less than 30 pounds and are less than two years old must be secured in a rear-facing position. Even though rear-facing is the safest position for children between the ages of two and four, New Jersey law permits parents to place their toddlers in a forward-facing or booster seat once the child reaches the age of two or exceeds 30 pounds.
New Jersey Rules on Facing Forward in a Car Seat
New Jersey law requires that a child be at least two years old before transitioning from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing one. However, any child within the weight requirements who has outgrown the rear-facing car seat is allowed to transition into a forward-facing car seat after at least 12 months of age. For instance, if your child reaches the weight limit for their rear-facing car seat prior to their second birthday but is also under two years old, New Jersey law allows the transition.
The law is less flexible for parents who want to keep their children rear-facing beyond the minimum state requirements. Parents whose children outgrow their rear-facing car seats are regularly unable to find a rear-facing car seat that meets the state’s dimensions. While you can keep your child rear-facing beyond the evaluated state requirements for as long as the seat meets your child’s height and weight requirements, once these requirements are met, the child must be transitioned to a forward-facing seat. The specific requirements for child safety seats are outlined in the chart below.
*Note that only MA (Massachusetts), IN (Indiana), CT (Connecticut), RI (Rhode Island), NH (New Hampshire), and CT (Vermont) currently comply with the AAP recommendations of being rear-facing until the age of two.
NJ Booster Seat Guidelines
In general, booster seats are designed for children under the age of 8, or those who weigh less than 80 pounds, and who are found to be between the height of 38 and 57 inches.
Many car seats that have been meant for older children are of the "convertible" variety and allow for a child to switch from an infant or toddler seat into a booster seat once the child has reached the appropriate weight or height. The booster seat must be seated with the shoulder belt properly above the shoulder location of the child while seated to reduce any risk of injury to the neck. Booster seats rely on seat belts to provide restraint to a child’s neck and head. Some car seat manufacturers even offer booster seats that are integrated into the vehicle’s seats. This is, of course, in addition to the traditional booster seats that you may buy at a local retail store.
Based on the New Jersey statutes regarding child restraints, all parents and guardians of young children should be aware of these laws, since penalties can involve significant fines and points, and additional penalties can also be applied if the driver also fails to wear a seat belt.
Keep in mind that booster seats are required even for small adults in certain circumstances, such as if a pregnant woman is about to give birth. Although it is safest to wait until the child reaches the age of 4, children who are over the age of 4 (and are under the age of 8) must ride in a booster seat if they are under 57 inches in height.
Charges for Not Following New Jersey Car Seat Laws
Violating New Jersey’s rear-facing and booster seat laws can create harsh legal consequences for parents and caregivers. If a law enforcement officer sees parents or caregivers in violation of the law, the police officer may pull over the car to investigate. The "minimum fine for a violation of this act for a first offense shall be $50.00 with no court costs or $100.00 with court costs." All subsequent violations will incur a minimum $100.00 fine .
In addition to paying a fine, a driver caught violating child restraint laws will also receive two points on their motor vehicle driving record for each violation. While many New Jersey parents may not be concerned with points on their record, points can add up. Motorists with at least six points on their license become subject to "the Surcharges for points." This costs a minimum of $150, plus an additional $25 for every point beyond six points.
How to Pick the Right Car Seat
When it comes to choosing the right car seat for your child, it’s essential to consider age, height, weight, and comfort while also staying within New Jersey’s legal requirements. The following tips will help guide you in selecting the most appropriate option for your child.
Infants (Rear-Facing): Rear-facing is the safest option for infants up to two years or beyond until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. When installing a rear-facing seat, always make sure it’s reclined enough to support their head and neck but ensure their head is level with the seat’s top once they have grown and no longer recline.
Toddlers (Forward-Facing with Harness): A forward-facing position with a car seat harness is the ideal choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Motor Vehicle Safety Commission recommend transitioning to this form of seat once your child has outgrown their rear-facing position in weight and height.
Preschoolers (Booster Seat): Once your child reaches a weight limit of 40 pounds, they can use a booster seat without a harness. Ensure that the booster is correctly positioned, and the seatbelt fits them properly – over their shoulder and across their chest, all while remaining comfortable.
School-Aged Children: Even after your child has reached 4’9", they’ll often continue using a booster seat to ensure a proper seat belt fit. There are various types, including high back, lame, and backless, so find one that suits the child and your car best.
Installation: Once you’ve purchased the most appropriate car seat, you’ll need to install it securely. Consult the instruction manual to understand how to properly install the car seat in your vehicle or refer to a certified technician for assistance.
Belt-Positioning: Once installed, always ensure that your child is sitting comfortably and securely within the seat with a properly positioned seatbelt to avoid any possible injuries.
Safety Checks: After installation, verify that the car seat is still buckled in by attempting to move it from different angles. It should not move more than an inch in any direction. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the car seat’s reclining feature and the indicator markers that will advise when it’s secure and safe for your child to use.
New Jersey has strict laws to protect children and ensure their safety while traveling, but as a parent, it’s a vital responsibility to choose the right car seat option suitable for your child’s age, size, and comfortable fit.
Car Seat Resources for New Jersey
New Jersey is fortunate to be home to many organizations dedicated to ensuring the safety of the state’s children. In addition to guidance on car seat selection, each county in New Jersey has a State Police – Fire Safety Education Officer who can conduct a car seat inspection and evaluation for parents and caregivers. The individual appointed to this position has undergone extensive training and is certified to inspect, repair, and install child safety seats. In addition to the State Police, the New Jersey Coalition for Auto Safety provides residents with a number of resources for car seat safety. This organization focuses on traffic safety through education , and has a number of programs, including Child Passenger Safety Week and "buckle up" demonstrations for schools and day care centers throughout the state. Professional installers through the State Police, as well as private sector professionals, include those trained in accordance with the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program. When selecting an installer, parents should ask about his or her qualifications. Once you’ve made that determination, be sure to have your car seat installed by a professional. Improperly installed car seats pose a serious threat to the safety of children.