PSA: Booster seat enforcement for older kids

dawnzer

Enforcement of the updated safety seat law that went into effect last fall starts June 1st!  If you have a kiddo 8 or under that is shorter than 4'9" - they need to be in a safety seat. Fines range from $25-$250. Guidelines for safety seats can be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website:

https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/carseat.htm

 

suzstar

You know the problem with this is children who are older (even as old as my daughter) can be under 4'9". My daughter finally hit 5' but I have a friend whose youngest daughter is already 15 and is still only 4'8". She will NOT be in a booster seat...could you imagine???? However, because she is not 'of legal age' it is possible they could try to fine her parents for her not being in one. She doesn't LOOK 15...she looks about 10 if that. I understand the reasoning behind it but I feel like they are not taking all scenarios into account. What about the 30+ year-old adult who will never make it to 4'9"?

dawnzer

suzstar:

You know the problem with this is children who are older (even as old as my daughter) can be under 4'9". My daughter finally hit 5' but I have a friend whose youngest daughter is already 15 and is still only 4'8". She will NOT be in a booster seat...could you imagine???? However, because she is not 'of legal age' it is possible they could try to fine her parents for her not being in one. She doesn't LOOK 15...she looks about 10 if that. I understand the reasoning behind it but I feel like they are not taking all scenarios into account. What about the 30+ year-old adult who will never make it to 4'9"?

It is kids 8 AND UNDER who are also under 4'9.   You wouldn't get a fine for your daughter.  Neither would the parents of a 6yo who is 5'

suzstar

Ah. That is good to hear.

txdaisygal

Enforcement of the law requiring all adults to be buckled up...front or back seat...starts too!

Oct1406

I'm glad they are enforcing it. There are so many accidents that turn out worse than they could have if people just buckled themselves and their kids correctly.