Every parent will agree that their child’s safety is their top priority. Your little ones rely on you to do everything in your power to keep them out of harm’s way.
When it comes to car safety, things can get a bit complicated. How much do you have to weigh to sit in the front seat in Texas? How long must my child sit in a booster or car seat? How do I know when my child is ready to wear an adult seatbelt?
We understand there are countless questions and concerns surrounding your child’s safety in the car, so we’re here to share the ins and outs of the confusing child safety and front seat rules in Texas.
How to Ensure Child Passenger Safety in Case of an Accident
The Lonestar State is home to an astonishing 500,000 road accidents annually. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a reportable crash happens every 57 seconds — making vehicle crashes one of the leading causes of child deaths in Texas.
While these statistics may strike fear in the hearts of parents everywhere, it is important to note that many of these devastating accidents are preventable. Following basic child passenger safety protocols can ensure your kids remain safe and sound.
For example, a normal seatbelt is designed for an adult and, therefore, ineffective for small children. Your child will require a specialized car seat that straps them in securely – stopping them from flying out of the seat in case of a collision.
Car Seat Regulations and Front Seat Rules in Texas for Each Age Group
The child safety seat rules in Texas can sometimes seem ambiguous, but the manufacturer’s instructions are the most important thing to follow. The seat type and position solely depends on your child’s age and size.
Infants Less Than a Year Old
Children under one year old must be seated in a rear-facing car seat – even if it is their first ride home from the hospital after birth. Before you can consider a front-facing car seat, your child must exceed 20 to 22 lbs.
One to Two Years
Children in this age range should be in rear-facing seats unless they exceed the maximum height and weight limits.
Two to Four Years
Preschoolers and toddlers usually sit in front-facing seats with a safety harness until they exceed the maximum weight limits – typically 65 lbs., though it is different for every brand.
Four to Eight Years
When your child reaches the maximum size limit for front-facing car seats, they can switch to a booster seat – which should be used until they reach the appropriate height for an adult seat belt.
Eight to Thirteen Years
You can toss out the booster seat once your child reaches 4’9”. While they no longer need a child passenger safety system, they must sit in the back seat with a seatbelt. At this age, it is crucial to ensure they use the seatbelt correctly – it should not rest on their face or neck.
Thirteen to Seventeen Years
So, when can a child sit in the front seat in Texas? The law states that once they are over thirteen, they can begin sitting in the front passenger seat, so long as they wear the lap and shoulder safety belts. However, if they are under 4’9” and 150 lbs., they might still be safer in the back seat.
How to Tell if Your Child Is Ready to Use an Adult Seat Belt
Determining when your child is ready to give up their booster seat and start wearing the adult seatbelt can be tricky. Here are a few things to help you decide:
1. Have your child sit in the seat and fasten the lap and shoulder seat belts.
2. Check if their back is touching the seat with knees bending over its edge.
3. Check if the shoulder strap of the seat belt rests in the middle of their chest, while the lap belt is on their thighs.
4. Check if your child can sit comfortably for the whole trip.
If your child is unable to meet these requirements, you should hold off on getting rid of that booster seat. Be patient and trust the process to ensure child passenger safety is the top priority.
A Few Exceptions to the Child Passenger Safety Rules
If you are driving with your child in the car, refusing to adhere to the child passenger safety rules is illegal. However, there are a few exceptions to the rules:
· Height Greater Than 4’ 9”
· Emergencies
· Taxis and rideshares
Penalties for Breaking the Front Seat Rules in Texas
Front seat rules in Texas state that every minor under the age of eight must be in the appropriate child car safety system for their age and size. If you are caught driving without adhering to the child passenger safety laws, you will incur the following penalties:
Car Seat Penalty
If your child is not in an age-appropriate car seat or safety system, a fine from $25 to $250 can be imposed. The prosecution may even charge them with a misdemeanor.
Seat Belt Penalty
If you are caught not wearing a seatbelt in the front seat, the fine for adults is approximately $25 to $50, while minors may incur a fine of $100 to $200. The driver is responsible for the minor, so they’ll be the ones to pay the fine.
Angel Reyes & Associates Will Defend Your Rights with Child Passenger Safety in Texas
Even if you are putting your child passenger safety first, things don’t always go according to plan. If you and your child have been injured in a car accident, the compassionate team at Angel Reyes & Associates has the best Dallas car accident lawyers who will assist with all your queries—big and small.
With over 30 years of real-world experience with Texas road laws and safety, we have the ability and the passion to help you through any challenge you face. While you focus on your recovery, we will work tirelessly to pursue justice on your behalf. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.