New Car Seat Law Begins In Montana Oct. 1
Area residents should be aware that Montana’s new car seat law goes into effect on Oct. 1.
The new law includes:
• Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat that meets federal safety standards.
• Use a rear or forward-facing car seat with an internal harness for children ages 2-4.
• Children, between the ages of 4-8, must use a forward-facing seat with a harness or a booster seat, depending on the child’s size.
• A child can switch to an adult seat belt once a child is 9 years old or has outgrown their booster seat, but only if the adult seat belt fits them correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure seat belts are used properly.
AJ Allen of the Roosevelt County Health Department explains that the main difference is that until now the criteria has been based on height and weight. “Now age is the main criteria,” he said.
The seat for 9 and above ages is similar to a stadium chair, Allen said. Guidelines for when children can stop using a child seat is being more than 100 pounds or 57 inches tall.
He added that the closest business to probably obtain a child seat is Walmart. He doesn’t recommend ordering a seat online.
Allen reminds the public that most child seats have an expiration date. Child Safety Passenger Week is Sept. 2127.
The fine for not having the correct child car seat is $100. There is a seven-day waiver of the fine if a car seat is acquired or installed correctly.
Seats must be used and installed according to manufacturer instructions.
There are exemptions for motorhomes, buses, ambulances, emergency vehicles, taxis or for a child who because of a physical or mental condition or body size cannot be placed in a child safety restraint system.
