What Are the Car Seat Laws in NJ?

You want your child to be safe in the car. What parent doesn’t?

But sometimes, accidents happen and our precious children get hurt. And we, as parents, rightfully want justice.

After beginning the legal process of pursuing compensation, doubt begins to creep in: Was I partially at fault because I violated New Jersey’s car seat laws? And if so, will the compensation my child is entitled to be reduced?

Parents of injured children ask these questions all the time. And the team at Rosengard Law Group is here to not only help you understand the answers, but fight for you and your child.

To that end, here’s a comprehensive overview of the car seat laws in New Jersey. And if you want immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys today.

New Jersey Car Seat Laws

New Jersey’s car seat laws are among the strictest in the nation, and they are based on the age, weight, and height of the child. Here are the key requirements:

1. Rear-Facing Car Seats

Rear-facing car seats are generally reserved for very young children. Here’s what you need to know:

• Age. Children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
• Weight. Children under 30 pounds must remain in a rear-facing car seat.
• Position. The rear-facing car seat should be placed in the back seat of the vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the car seat can be placed in the front seat, provided the airbag is deactivated.

2. Forward-Facing Car Seats

As your child grows, they may become ready for a forward-facing car seat. Here are some key details you’ll need to know:

• Age. Children between the ages of 2 and 4 should be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. (Or in a rear-facing seat that they haven’t outgrown according to manufacturer specifications.)
• Weight. Children who weigh between 30 and 40 pounds generally can use a forward-facing car seat. But speak with your child’s medical provider to be sure.
• Position. The forward-facing car seat should be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

3. Booster Seats

Booster seats are generally OK as your child grows past the age of 4. But as always, speak with a pediatrician before making the switch:

• Age. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 generally can use a booster seat.
• Weight. Children who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds are required to use a booster seat.
• Height. Children must use a booster seat until they reach a height of 57 inches (4 feet, 9 inches).
• Position. The booster seat should be used in the back seat of the vehicle.

4. Seat Belts

Seat belts — whether in a car seat or a regular seat — are always a must. Here are the general specifications:

• Age. Children not required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat must wear a seatbelt.
• Weight and height. Children who weigh more than 80 pounds or are taller than 57 inches can usually use a seat belt without a booster seat.
• Position. It is recommended that children continue to sit in the back seat until at least age 13 for maximum safety.

Best Practices for Car Seat Safety

In addition to following New Jersey’s car seat laws, consider these best practices to ensure your child’s safety:

Proper Installation 

Make sure the car seat is installed correctly. Refer to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

Tip: Worried about your car seat configuration? The New Jersey State Police offer free car seat checks across the state. Learn more here.

Harness Fit

Ensure the harness fits snugly against your child’s body. The chest clip should be at armpit level.

Expiration Dates

Car seats have expiration dates, typically six to 10 years from the date of manufacture. Check the label on your car seat and replace it if it is expired.

Avoid Used Car Seats

Second-hand car seats might have been through previous impacts, which can weaken their protection for your child. Opt for new car seats.

What Are the Penalties for Violating NJ Car Seat Laws?

Failing to comply with New Jersey’s car seat laws can result in fines ranging from $50 to $75 per offense. More importantly, not using the appropriate car seat or seat belt can put your child at serious risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.

But if your child has been injured in an accident and you are worried that a violation of NJ’s car seat laws will block you from seeking compensation, there is good news. Here is what New Jersey’s car seat legislation (Legislation – P.L. 2015, c.50) has to say about that:

“In no event shall failure to be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat be considered as contributory negligence, nor shall the failure to be secured in the child passenger restraint system or booster seat be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.”

In other words, a violation of car seat rules is unlikely to reduce the compensation you can receive for your child’s injuries in a car accident. But speak with a qualified attorney for details specific to your unique situation.

Consult with Rosengard Law Group

Understanding and following car seat laws is essential for your child’s safety. If you have questions about these laws or need assistance with a car accident claim, the experienced attorneys at Rosengard Law Group are here to help. Ready to discuss your case? Contact Rosengard Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. Call us at 856-284-6446 or reach out online to speak with a dedicated attorney.