Child Car Seat Laws In Mo

August 9, 2018

The safety of children is of paramount importance when it comes to travelling in a car. Parents must be aware of the laws regulating the use of child car seats, which vary from state to state. In Missouri, as in other states, there are certain regulations that must be followed in order to ensure the safety and well-being of young passengers.

Missouri law requires that children under the age of 8 must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat while in a motor vehicle. The type of restraint used should be appropriate for the size and weight of the child and must be properly installed. It is important to note that the law applies to all types of vehicles, including cars, vans, and SUVs. Additionally, the law also applies when a child is traveling as a passenger in a taxi or rideshare vehicle.

In Missouri, parents must ensure that their child is properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat that is designed for their size and weight. The seat must be appropriate for the age of the child and must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. To ensure that the child is properly secured, the seat must be attached to the vehicle using either the vehicle's built-in seat belt or the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

In addition to the age and size requirements, children must be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat regardless of the distance they are being driven. This means that even if a child is only travelling a short distance, they must still be properly restrained in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Failure to do so may result in fines and other penalties.

It is important to note that in Missouri, children who are 8 years of age or older but have not yet reached their 4th birthday must be secured in a booster seat. A booster seat is a special type of car seat designed to help keep the child in the correct position during a crash. Furthermore, the booster seat must be used in combination with a vehicle lap and shoulder belt.

In addition to the laws governing the use of car seats and booster seats, it is important to be aware of the laws regarding the use of cell phones while driving with a child in the vehicle. In Missouri, it is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving with a child under the age of 18 in the vehicle. This law applies to both drivers and passengers and is in place to help protect the safety of young passengers.

It is also important to note that in Missouri, all children under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt while in a motor vehicle. The law applies to both front and back seats and must be properly adjusted, fastened, and secured. Additionally, children are prohibited from riding in a pickup truck bed unless the vehicle is equipped with an approved cab guard system.

By following the laws regarding the use of child car seats and booster seats, as well as the laws concerning cell phone use and seat belt usage, parents and caregivers can help ensure the safety and well-being of their young passengers while travelling in a motor vehicle. Keeping these regulations in mind can help make sure that everyone stays safe on the road.

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