A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that nearly 46% of people misuse their car seats, which can result in injury and even death to their children.
Texas car seat laws attempt to mitigate these injuries and fatalities by establishing requirements for child booster seats. These seats are specific to children depending on their age. For example, children two years old and younger must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
This all changes as the child gets older, and the seats themselves need regular adjustments, so in this article I'm going to explain all the rules and regulations you need to follow for Texas car seats.
Texas car seat requirements by age
In Texas, children under a certain age and height must use a booster seat. This range begins when the child is born and lasts until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, or between the ages of 8 and 12.
1 year
Once the child is born you have a legal obligation to ensure that they remain safe in the car and use a rear-facing car seat as this is without a doubt the safest, most secure and most efficient way of transporting babies when it comes to cars.
2 years
Once your child is 2 years old, they will need to remain in the rear-facing booster seat, depending on their weight and height. However, if they exceed the limits of the seat, you will need to swap them out for a forward-facing car seat.
3 years
Once a child is over two years old, they should easily exceed the limits of a rear-facing car seat, which means you'll need to upgrade to a forward-facing car seat. This car seat must also be fitted with a seat belt system, which is a requirement in most states.
4 years
By the age of 4, your child should have reached the size and weight limit of their forward-facing car seat. If that's the case, it's time to convert it to a regular booster seat. Otherwise, you will need to adjust the seat and straps to maintain your comfort.
5 years old
Five-year-olds are often too tall and heavy for forward-facing car seats, so they definitely need to use a regular booster seat. This is used until they are old enough to use an adult seat belt themselves.
6 years
Similar to the rules for five-year-olds, by the time your child turns six, they should have trouble fitting into a front-facing car seat.
In this case you should exchange it for a normal booster seat. If you're already in a booster seat, you'll have to settle for this seat.
7 – 9 years
Between the ages of 7 and 9, your child is likely to be growing strong, tall, and healthy. If so, you can assess whether they are tall enough to normally ride in a car, during which time they must wear an adult's seat belt.
ten years
Ten-year-olds should have no problem sitting in a car without a booster seat. So you just have to make sure that they wear a seat belt every time they ride in the car as that is the requirement for kids of that age.
Car seat height and weight requirements in Texas
Starting with toddlers, when your child is between 1 and 3 years old and weighs between 20 and 40 pounds, you need to make sure they use a rear-facing car seat.
Children under 5 years of age who are less than 36 inches tall must use forward-facing booster seats. These seats must be fitted with a harness with any number of points so long as it can provide the required level of protection to the child using the seat.
If your child is five years old or older and taller than 36 inches, they can move to use a booster seat. This can be used until they are taller than 4ft 9in. At this point they can put the booster seat down and use the adult seat belt.
kind of car seat laws in texas
Depending on your child's age, you must use a specific type of car seat and follow a specific set of rules. This usually depends on their size and weight.
1. Rear-facing car seat
A rear-facing car seat is required for infants and toddlers two years old and younger. This car seat should be used unless the height needs to be changed to a forward-facing car seat.
2. Forward-facing car seat
Once your child is out of a rear-facing car seat, they should be placed in a forward-facing car seat until they are old enough to use a booster seat. State law requires this seat to be equipped with a seat belt system.
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3. Booster Seat
A booster seat is used for children eight years old and younger who can no longer fit in the forward-facing seat and need an additional booster seat to sit securely in the car. Once they get past this, the only thing they can do is use the available seat belt in the car.
When is it time for my child to get in the front seat in Texas?
If your child is no longer using a booster seat and has easily adapted to using an adult seat belt in the car, you should consider placing them in the front of the car after they have practiced using seat belts extensively. back seat of the car.
It should be noted that many states recommend that you keep your children in the back seat of the car, and personally I will recommend this as well, unless you know they are capable of driving themselves in the front seat.
What happens if you leave your child in a car in Texas?
You are committing a serious offense any time you leave your child in a car or vehicle for more than 5 minutes. This is especially true if the child is under the age of seven and left unattended.
This offense counts as a Class C offense. This can be further complicated if the child is injured, which puts a child at risk and becomes a criminal offence. This can result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to 2 years in prison.
Taxisitzgesetze in Texas
Texas law does not require you to use booster seats in a taxi. Although it is recommended that you bring one anyway, you are not required by law to do so.
Texas car seat accident law
There are no regulations or laws enacted by the State of Texas that relate to car seats in the event of an accident. This means that if your car seat is damaged in an accident, there is no legal right to a replacement.
However, you should try to replace the car seat yourself in case you and your child have an accident in the car.
About car seat laws in Texas
The laws that the state of Texas enacted for taxis also apply to Uber and any other transportation you rent. That means you don't have to use a child seat when riding in an Uber.
However, this also does not mean that you should avoid it completely. It's your job to make sure your child is always safe in the car.
Diploma
Texas car seat laws are very detailed and cover very specific details about how your child must be the right age, height, and weight for a particular booster seat, and you are legally required to follow those laws unless you want them to keep it. responsible for any injuries your child may be exposed to.
After you finish reading the article, you should be able to easily follow these rules and all other rules to protect your child. This will surely help you keep them safe from harm in the event of an accident or injury.
Tahir Azam
Hello! I'm Tahir Azam and this is my blog. WVDOT Automotive is a website dedicated to creating quality content for automotive enthusiasts. I am also an avid driver. I own and drive a Porsche for my daily duties. It's the perfect vehicle for my family. I am the proud father of two children. In the mornings and afternoons I look after customers in my own software center. When I get home, I spend a few hours every day writing an article. Well, this is a brief introduction.About meand I'm also an editor atAmazonas. I hope you enjoy reading my articles and I also hope that I have helped you in choosing an upgrade for your vehicle.
FAQs
What is the new car seat law in Texas? ›
Texas law requires that all children younger than eight years old, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches, be secured in a child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. Older children who have outgrown a booster seat must be buckled with a seat belt.
What age can a child stop using a booster seat in Texas? ›These children should remain in a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they reach four feet and nine inches in height and are between eight and 12 years of age. Check car seat labels for exceptions and additional guidance.
What are the height and weight requirements for car seats in Texas? ›A child up to 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches, must ride in a child safety seat. From birth to as long as possible, up to the weight or height limit of the seat. At a minimum, keep rear-facing until age 1 and 20 lbs. From 8+ years old or taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
Can a 9 year old sit in the front seat in Texas? ›A child must be over 4'9″ to sit in the front seat of a car in Texas. Once a child is over 4'9″, kids can sit in the front seat of a car in Texas using a lap or shoulder seat belt. However, children less than 13 years should never ride in the front seat of any vehicle with active airbags on the passenger side.
When should I move my child to a booster seat? ›A child is ready for a booster seat when they have outgrown the height or weight limit of their 5-point harness car seat. This is usually when they reach over 65 pounds or 49 inches. You can check your car seat's manual for its height and weight limits and if it can be converted to a booster seat.
At what age or weight can you stop using a car seat? ›Seat belts are made for adults. Children should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly, typically when children reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Most children will not fit in a seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years of age.
Can a 10 year old ride in the front seat in Texas? ›There is no law in Texas specifies when a child can sit in the front seat. However, the law requires that all child safety seat systems must be used according to owner's manual. Most vehicle manufacturers' require and recommend keeping all children 12 years and younger in the back seat.
Can a 6 year old sit in a car without a booster seat? ›Children weighing more than 22kg and taller than 125cm can use a backless booster seat. Children of 12 years old or taller than 135cm do not need to use a child seat. Before this age or height they must do by law. Child seats must be fitted either using ISOFIX mountings or a diagonal seat belt strap.
Can I put my 4 year old in a booster seat? ›California Law
Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.
There is no law against children sitting in the front seat, as long as they are using the right child restraint for their height and weight.
How much is a ticket for a child without car seat in Texas? ›
Children younger than eight years must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they're taller than four feet nine inches. If they aren't properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250, plus court costs.
Is it legal to have 3 car seats in the back? ›By law, the children must be in seats unless the fitting of 2 prevent the third from being safely fitted.
Which of the following is a common mistake made when installing a child's car seat? ›Common mistakes include routing the seat belt through the wrong belt path, failing to use a top tether for a forward-facing car seat, installing a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger seat, and using both the seat belt and the lower anchors at the same time.
How far can an object extend from the left side of your car in Texas? ›A passenger vehicle may not carry a load extending more than three inches beyond the left side line of its fenders or more than six inches beyond the right side line of its fenders.
When should I switch to backless booster? ›- Most children transition from their convertible car seat to a high-back booster seat at about four or five years old.
- Children usually switch from a high-back booster to a backless booster at around age six.
4 – 7 Years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
The advice is not to use car seats for longer than 30 minutes for babies younger than four weeks and not using car seats for more than two hours in one go for babies of all ages (The Lullaby Trust, 2016).
How old is a 35 pound baby? ›Once the child passes 35 lbs, which is usually around two years of age, you should start thinking about a front-facing safety seat, or a harness, that will keep your child safe and comfortable.
Should a 7 year old be in a car seat? ›Children younger than 4 must use a car seat. Children 4 through 7 years and less than 57 inches tall should use a booster seat. Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old or more than 57 inches tall.
How much does a 2 year old weigh? ›Your 2-year-old child's growth
At 2 years old, your toddler is growing, growing, grown — to a length that just might predict her future height. Most 2-year-old girls weigh 19½ to 32½ pounds and measure 31½ to 36½ inches tall. Boys typically weigh 21 to 33½ pounds and measure 32 to 37 inches tall.
Can a 4 year old sit in a booster seat in Texas? ›
Children under 5 years old and less than 36 inches tall must ride in a child safety seat. Children more than 36 inches tall and at least 5 years old but younger than 17 years old must be secured by a safety belt. What Type of Child Car Safety Seat Should I Use?
Is front license plate required in Texas? ›According to Texas law, all vehicles must have a license plate on the front and the rear. Those who do not adhere to the law can face a fine of up to $200. The law does specify an exception to the rule for road tractors, motorcycles, trailers, and semitrailers.
Can a 6 year old sit in the front seat? ›Children 3 and Over
While children legally can sit in the front seat from three years of age, it is important to remember that children are always safest in the backseat, even with appropriate car seats and boosters.
All our car seats have been designed and tested to ensure the forces on each part of the body remain within the safe limits. All our car seats for babies and toddler up to approximately four years old have a 5-point harness.
How can I travel with my baby without a car seat? ›Therefore, if you find yourself in a taxi with your toddler but no car seat, put the child in his own seat belt. Pull the seat belt snug and try to make sure the lap portion of the belt is resting very low and very snug on the tops of the child's thighs.
Should car seat go behind driver or passenger? ›The car seat should always be installed in the back seat. That is the safest spot for your baby. If you can, put the car seat in the center seat. If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side.
What car seat should a 6 year old be in? ›Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat. Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.
What is the weight limit for a 5-point harness? ›The following guidelines are allowed under the law for children who: Weigh less than 40 lbs: May remain in five-point harness car seat. Weigh more than 80 lbs, or are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches: May use vehicle safety belt without booster.
Can you put a high back booster in the front seat? ›Booster seats can be used in the front or rear of the car, but it is safer to put them in the rear, especially if there is a passenger airbag in the front. It is safest to keep children in this type of seat until they have outgrown it.
Can a child sit in the front seat with a car seat? ›We strongly recommend that children sit in the back and remain rear-facing for as long as possible to minimise the risk of injury. However, you are allowed to have them in the front if you use a child seat and follow these safety precautions: Rear-facing child seat – you are required to deactivate all front airbags.
Can you take a baby on a bus without a car seat? ›
Bus and coach companies are not required by law to provide child car seats in coaches and buses, but child passengers should use them if they are provided. Any passenger in a front passenger seat, or any exposed seat, must use an appropriate child seat.
Can you go to jail for not having a child in a car seat in Texas? ›The current Texas Transportation Code requires that a child under the age of eight be secured in a child passenger safety seat system during the operation of a motor vehicle. The failure to secure a child in this manner is a misdemeanor offense and may result in a penalty of up to $250.
When can you leave a child alone in Texas? ›Texas law doesn't specify what age is old enough for a child to stay home alone. However, if you decide to leave a child under 15 at home alone and something bad happens – such as a fire, injury or crime – you could find yourself facing criminal abandonment charges.
Who is exempt from wearing a seatbelt in Texas? ›Seat Belt Safety Laws in Texas
Children under the age of 17 must be secured by either a seat belt or a child passenger safety seat system. There are several exceptions to the law. Those who have a medical reason can be exempt from wearing a seat belt if they have a statement from their physician.
Sgt Rana added: “It is also against the law to travel in a vehicle with a child on your lap as this could put them at risk of serious harm if you are involved in a collision.
Can a 1 year old travel in a taxi without a car seat? ›The law is that in a licenced taxi or mini cab, children under 3 years of age can travel without a child's car seat or seat belt, but only in the back seats. Children aged 3 years or older can travel without a child's car seat if they wear an adult seat belt.
Can a car seat go in the middle of a car? ›The safest place for your car seat is the rear middle seat due to its maximum distance from passenger-side air bags and any potential impact.
What is the Unsafest seat in a car? ›The safest place in the vehicle is the centre of the back seat, being positioned the furthest point away from any possible point of impact. Some older vehicles do only have a lap belt so it is essential to check that your seat is suitable for one of those. However, most new cars now do have 3 point diagonal belts.
What are the five most common car seat mistakes? ›- Mistake #1: Car Seat Not Installed Tightly. ...
- Mistake #2: Retainer Clip Used Incorrectly. ...
- Mistake #3: Using Non-Regulated Products. ...
- Recommendation: Do not add anything to your car seat that did not come with it. ...
- Mistake #5: Turning Your Child Forward Facing Too Soon.
- It's okay if the baby's head is turned to the side. ...
- Make sure the crotch buckle is snug to prevent slouching.
- Make sure the harness straps are snug to keep the baby's head and body straighter.
- Recline the car seat as much as the instructions permit.
Can you ride in the bed of a truck in Texas? ›
Texas law does not forbid anyone over the age of 18 from riding in the open bed of a truck or trailer. However, the same cannot be said for Texans younger than 18. Drivers caught with a minor in the bed of a truck or on a trailer can face a fine between $25 and $200.
Is it legal to drive with tailgate down in Texas? ›Texas law is typical of those states that forbid driving with the trunk open, stating that you cannot drive a vehicle if a tailgate, tailboard, tarpaulin, door, fastening device, or equipment or rigging is not securely in place.
Can you ride a side by side on the road in Texas? ›Operation may be authorized only on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. If operated on the roads at a speed of 25 mph or less, an ATV, ROV, UTV and Sand Rail is required to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
What is the weight limit for child car seat Texas? ›1. Rear-Facing Seat: Infants stay rear-facing as long as possible – to the upper weight limits of the harness – but never forward-facing before their first birthday and 20-22 pounds. 2. Forward-Facing Seat: Toddlers go forward-facing in a five-point harness until the upper limits of the harness, usually 40-65 pounds.
Is it illegal to have baby forward facing Texas? ›It's required that infants ride in the back in a rear-facing seat. Kids under 2 years of age, or between 20 and 40 pounds should be in rear facing seats.
What weight can a child be out of a booster seat? ›Children need to ride in a booster seat until the seat belt fits right, when they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall, about 80 pounds and 8 years old.
Does car seat go behind driver or passenger? ›The car seat should always be installed in the back seat. That is the safest spot for your baby. If you can, put the car seat in the center seat. If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side.
What is the legal age to stay home alone in Texas? ›Texas law doesn't specify what age is old enough for a child to stay home alone. However, if you decide to leave a child under 15 at home alone and something bad happens – such as a fire, injury or crime – you could find yourself facing criminal abandonment charges.
Can you leave a child alone in a car in Texas? ›What is the punishment for leaving a child in a vehicle in Texas? In Texas, it is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine for leaving a child in a vehicle in Texas. This offense is classified as neglectful supervision, which means CPS will also likely get notified and may launch their own investigation.
What is considered abandonment of a child by the father in Texas? ›Texas Penal Code § 22.041 states that a person commits child abandonment if he or she has custody, care, or control of a child younger than the age of 15 years old and does the following: Intentionally abandons the child in any place; and. Exposes the child to an unreasonable risk of harm.