Marianne A. Trussell, Chief Safety Officer
Occupant Protection FAQ
- Can a passenger in a motor vehicle be ticketed for not wearing a safety belt?
- What is the fine for a safety belt violation?
- Can a car seat be used on an airplane?
- What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?
- What is the fine for a child restraint violation?
- If the safety belt does not fit my child correctly should the shoulder belt be placed under the child's arm for a better fit?
- When can my child face forward?
- What if my baby is over 20 pounds but is not 1 year old?
- Which child restraint device is the safest for my child?
- How can I determine if my child safety seat has been recalled?
1. Can a passenger in a motor vehicle be ticketed for not wearing a safety belt?
Yes. All front seat occupants must buckle up, regardless of age. Passengers under the age of 18 must be belted in either the front or back seat of the vehicle. (FL Statute 316.614).
2. What is the fine for a safety belt violation?
Penalty for violation is $30.00 plus other legal assessments.
3. Can a car seat be used on an airplane?
Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats are certified to be used on airplanes. Booster seats and travel vests are not. You should check the label on the seat and call the airline before you travel to be sure your seat meets current Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
4. What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?
All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).
5. What is the fine for a child restraint violation?
Penalty for violation is $60 and 3 points.
6.
If the safety
belt does not fit my child correctly
should the shoulder belt be placed under the
child's arm for a better fit?
Never put the shoulder belt under a child's arm or behind the back, as this increases the risk of severe injury in a crash. Use a booster seat to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts for children once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats at about 40 pounds and around 4 years old. Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and 4'9" should ride in a belt positioning booster seat.
7. When can my child face forward?
Infants must ride rear-facing until they are at least one year old and weigh 20 pounds or more. Rear-facing, the infant should be semi-upright at an angle or no more than 45 degrees. A forward-facing older child should ride sitting upright. Never place a child in a child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger air bag.
8. What if my baby is over 20 pounds but is not 1 year old?
There are now several infant and convertible seats that can be used rear-facing at higher weights.
9. Which child restraint device is the safest for my child?
Child safety seats that meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and are used according to the vehicle owner's manual and child restraint manufacturer's instructions.
10. How can I determine if my child safety seat has been recalled?
You can find out by calling the manufacturer of the Auto Safety Hotline at 888/DASH - 2 - DOT or visit the website http://www.cpsc.gov.
Related Links:
Visit the Florida Highway Patrol:
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us
To check on car seat recalls:
http://www.cpsc.gov
NHTSA Child
Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator
Lists of certified technicians in your
area:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm
Check on the safety of specific car seats:
http://www.carseat.org
For child product recalls and other safety tips:
http://www.babybag.com
SAFE KIDS:
http://www.safekids.org