What Are the Car Seat Laws in Georgia?

Parents in Georgia should familiarize themselves with the state laws governing the use of car seats. In Georgia, the law requires all children under the age of 8 to ride in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their height and weight. Failure to correctly restrain a child in a vehicle is a primary offense. Law enforcement officers can initiate a traffic stop if they see an improperly secured child in a vehicle.

Violating the car seat laws may result in a citation that carries a $50 fine and one point on the offender’s driver’s license, with subsequent violations increasing the penalties. Contact our Savannah car accident lawyer today.

What Are the Age, Height, and Weight Requirements for Car Seats in Georgia?

Georgia recommends the following age, height, and weight limits when determining what car seat will keep your child safest:

• Infants under 12 months and weighing less than 20 pounds should ride in a rear-facing car seat placed in the back seat of a vehicle. A child must be both 12 months old and more than 20 pounds to ride in a forward-facing seat.
• Children under the age of 3 weighing 20 to 40 pounds should be placed in toddler seats.
• From the age of 4 until at least the age of 8, children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds and under 57 inches must be in booster seats with lap and shoulder belts.
• Children who are older than 8 and taller than 57 inches may use seatbelts.

Do Car Seats Have to Be U.S. Department of Transportation Approved?

In Georgia and nationwide, all car seats must meet the safety requirements set by the federal government. Car and booster seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards will have a label stating that the seat conforms to applicable safety standards and certifying the seat for use in motor vehicles. Seats should also have an instruction manual and a label on the seat indicating how to install it in a vehicle, the manufacturer’s name or contact information, and the date of manufacture.

Where Do Kids Have to Sit in the Car in Georgia?

Georgia requires all children under the age of 8 with a height of less than 57 inches to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. The law requires young children to sit in back seats to keep them away from dashboard airbags since they deploy in a way designed for adults and could be fatal to young children. Georgia also requires children under 8 to ride in a car or booster seat appropriate for their height and weight.

At What Age Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat of a Vehicle in Georgia?

Once a child turns 8 or reaches a height of 57 inches, they may sit in the front seat of a vehicle. However, children should still use booster seats when necessary to ensure that a seat belt sits in the correct position over their body. The lap belt should sit across the lap (rather than the waist), and the shoulder belt should sit across the shoulder and chest (rather than up against the neck).

If a vehicle does not have a back seat or all back seats are taken by other children, a child under 8 and shorter than 57 inches may sit in the front seat if restrained in an appropriate car or booster seat – provided that the child weighs at least 40 pounds.

What Are Some Car Seat Safety Tips?

Parents should follow additional car seat safety tips to help maximize their children’s safety while riding in a vehicle:

• Children should ride in high-back booster seats in vehicles with low seat backs or no headrests but can use backless models when riding in car seats with headrests.
• Children should continue riding in the back seat until age 13.
• Children should always buckle up, even for short trips.
• Always secure a car or booster seat with LATCH attachments or seatbelts.
• When restraining a child in a car or booster seat, the driver should use their non-dominant hand to try to wiggle the seat. They should resecure the seat if it moves an inch or more.
• Avoid buckling a child wearing a coat into their car seat since the restraints may not work as effectively with puffy clothing. Instead, use a blanket to keep a child warm or dress them in a jacket that works with the car seat.

Do I Need to Replace My Child’s Car Seat After a Collision?

Car seats involved in collisions may suffer damage that reduces the seat’s safety effectiveness. Parents should always replace a child’s car or booster seat after a car accident. The forces in a collision can cause invisible damage to a car seat that may compromise the effectiveness of the seat’s safety protection. Parents can dispose of a used or damaged car or booster seat by sending the seat to the manufacturer or a recognized car seat recycling program.

Many municipalities also accept car and booster seats for recycling. Parents should cut the harness straps before disposing of a car seat to prevent others from using the expired or damaged seat.

For car accident victims in Savannah, GA, here are some valuable resources:

• Savannah Police Department’s Victim Services: Offers assistance under the Georgia State Victim’s Compensation Act for victims of violent crimes, which may include DUI crash victims. This program can help with medical or counseling bills, funeral costs, and lost wages related to the victimization. More information can be found on the Savannah Police Department’s website.
• Accident Data Center for Savannah, GA: Provides comprehensive information on accidents in the Savannah area, including resources for dealing with the aftermath of a car, truck, pedestrian, and other types of accidents. The site lists local resources such as the Savannah Police Department, Fire Department, and major hospitals like Memorial Health and St. Joseph’s/Candler. It also offers guidance on dealing with insurance claims post-accident. Visit Accident Data Center for more details.

These resources aim to support victims and their families by providing necessary information and assistance following a car accident in Savannah.

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a motor vehicle crash with your child in the vehicle, get the legal help you need to pursue financial recovery and justice in a car accident claim. Contact Spiva Law Group today for a free no-obligation consultation with a Georgia car accident lawyer about your family’s legal options for securing compensation.