Child seat safety laws in Washington DC

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 12 across the country, and many of these deaths can be attributed to improper use (or lack of use) of restraint systems. Washington State is no different.

The best way to keep your children safe is to make sure they have the right car seat and that it is installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. You should also keep your child in the car seat or restraint system for as long as possible until they become too tall or too heavy for the system.

Summary of Washington State Child Seat Safety Laws

Child seat safety laws in Washington State can be summarized as follows:

• Children under 13 should ride in the back seat if possible.

• Children under 8 must use a child restraint unless they are over 57 inches tall.

• Child restraints must be used in accordance with the instructions of the seat manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer.

• Child booster seats must be used for children under the age of 8 and weighing over 40 pounds, unless the vehicle is equipped with lap belts only. Boosters must be used with both lap and shoulder belts.

• You must ensure that children aged 8 years and older or 57 inches or greater are using the vehicle's seat belt system correctly. If they are not, you will have to force them to continue using child restraints.

Fines

If the child is not properly buckled in the vehicle, the driver will be fined $124. If the passenger is 16 years of age or older, then the passenger will be fined.

Choose the type of child restraint that works best for your child and always use it correctly. This could save your child's life.