If you are here reading this, the chances are that you are interested to learn about the Delaware car seat laws. Car seat laws may sound exaggerated or unnecessary at times, but it is of utmost importance because it is a matter of people’s lives. Delaware fatal crash statistics have shown that there were almost 852 deaths in car accidents between the years 2003 to 2012. So it’s no surprise that keeping oneself aware of the Delaware car seat laws will only save their lives.
As per the recommendations made by NHTSA, Delaware car seat laws necessitate using a proper restraint system for children aged seven or younger and weighing less than 65 pounds when traveling in a car. The car seat laws are mainly for protecting children from physical harm in case of an accident. Every state has its own policies, regulations, and penalties concerning car seat usage.
Hence, keeping your child safe while traveling in a car only seems to be logical and a top priority for the parents. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics strives to develop ways to help parents keep their children safe in various situations. Hence, this post is just right for you if you are eager to learn more about the Delaware car seat laws in detail.
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Car Seat Law for Delaware
Car seat laws in Delaware are almost similar to the American Academy of Pediatrics requirements. However, there still lies some difference where the drivers in Delaware need to be aware of these laws and comply with them at all times. For instance, Delaware’s state law indicates that kids below 12 months must be in the rear-facing car seat placed at the back of the car. Moreover, it also states that children aged one to seven and weighing less than 65 pounds must sit in the front-facing car seat.
The Delaware state law also specifies that children aged eight years or above and weighing more than 65 pounds can use the back seat and secure themselves with adult seat belts. Children cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle until they are twelve years old or above. Read about this in detail below.
Convertible Car Seat
The convertible car seat is more helpful as it can also act as a rear or front-facing car seat, depending on the steadiness of your child. It is more commonly used for children between the ages of one to three. When your child turns one, there is no need for you to transition them to a convertible car seat immediately. Instead, you prefer to keep your child in the rear-facing car seat until they exceed the specified age, weight, and height limit. Also, it should not concern you even if your kid takes almost two years to transition because it is pretty common.
Front-facing Seat
Next comes the front-facing car seat, mainly used for kids aged four to seven. Keeping your kid in the front-facing seat is wise, and not rush to transition them to the next level. When your child has exceeded the specified age, height, and weight limit, you can only shift to the next seat level, the booster seat.
Convertible Car Seat
The convertible car seat is more helpful as it can also act as a rear or front-facing car seat, depending on the steadiness of your child. It is more commonly used for children between the ages of one to three. When your child turns one, there is no need for you to transition them to a convertible car seat immediately. Instead, you prefer to keep your child in the rear-facing car seat until they exceed the specified age, weight, and height limit. Also, it should not concern you even if your kid takes almost two years to transition because it is pretty common.
Front-facing Seat
Next comes the front-facing car seat, mainly used for kids aged four to seven. Keeping your kid in the front-facing seat is wise, and not rush to transition them to the next level. When your child has exceeded the specified age, height, and weight limit, you can only shift to the next seat level, the booster seat.
Booster Seat
Bear in mind that when your kid exceeds the specified age group or weight limit, you must not transition them directly to using the regular seat belts. Instead, it would be best to start with the booster seat before your kid reaches the specified physical parameters that require strapping them with a strap on the seat belt.
Usually, children between the ages of eight to twelve can use the booster seat, and after that, they can start strapping on the seat belts. If the child exceeds the weight limit or is too short for the seat belts, they can easily use the booster seat. Children typically use booster seats when they’re between the age of 8 to 12 years, after which they can begin strapping on their seat belts. After that, children can use the booster seat for as long as they want, and you can even equip it with a head cushion, extra padding, and armrests.
Consequences of Breaking Delaware Car Seat Law
In Delaware, the car safety and seat belt laws bear great importance. If you violate this law, you will be penalized by the police without any justification. Failing to obey the car seat laws in Delaware results in a $25 fine along with additional court charges. Are you traveling with more than one child? Then the charges could be separated, and hence you’ll have to pay a hefty fine.
Final Note
So, this is all about car seat laws in Delaware. Remember that seat belts effectively keep you safe, and the different car seat types available can be beneficial to children in fulfilling the necessary physical parameters. Now that you are aware of them, remember to follow the rules to ensure the safety of your little one.