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I am asking this question as I am not from the US and my relatives with kids are visiting. At what age can a child use a seat belt and don't need a car seat?
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That does depend on the state you live in. Here in NY I think it went up to 7 yo that a child has to be in a car seat.
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In Ohio it is 4 and 40 lbs. but I heard they are going to make kids up to a certain weight at least use a booster.
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In California is is 6 years old or 60 lbs.
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Thanks for the reply. Where can I find out for Washington state?
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This is what I found on the internet... Washington's Child Restraint Law will change on June 1, 2007 to require:
* Children under 13 years old be transported in the back seat where it is practical to do so.
* Children up to their 8th birthday, unless they are 4'9" tall (57 inches), be transported in an appropriate child restraint system. (For example a child car seat, booster seat, vest, or other restraint that is federally approved for use in the car.)
* The restraint system must be used correctly according to the car seat AND vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
* Vehicles equipped with lap-only seat belts are exempt from the requirement to use a booster seat.
* Children 8-years of age or at least 4'9" who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly (never under the arm or behind the back) or continue to use a booster.
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sorry, scratch that, i didnt read it all the way until I posted it, here is some better info.... Infants must remain in a rear facing car seat until they are one year of age or weigh 20 pounds. Children ages 20-40 pounds or 1-4 must ride in a forward facing child safety seat with a harness.
Kids 4-6 years old or weighing 4 - 60 pounds must be in a booster seat in vehicles equipped with a lap and shoulder belt.
Vehicles equipped with lap-only seat belts are exempt from the requirement to use a booster seat Children six years old or weighing more than 60 pounds shall be restrained in either a booster seat or a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.
The law requires everyone to wear the seat belt correctly. The driver can be given a ticket if the seat belt does not properly fit the child (for example: the shoulder belt crosses the face or neck; the shoulder belt is under the arm; the shoulder belt is behind the back; or the lap belt is up on the tummy).
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Thanks for the info Stepanie. Looks like I don't need a car seat for my youngest nephew who is 10 yo as he can use the back seat seat belt.
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