Virginia`s Pickup Truck Law

Transcription

Virginia’s Child Restraint Device Law
(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2)
The major requirements of Virginia's Child Restraint Device Law:
Effective July 1, 2007: Child restraint devices are required for children through the age of seven (until 8th
birthday). Child restraint devices must be properly used and meet standards adopted by the United States
Department of Transportation.
Effective July 1, 2007: Rear-facing child restraint devices must be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the
event the vehicle does not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front passenger
seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side airbag or the passenger side airbag has
been deactivated.
Effective July 1, 2007: Children can no longer ride unrestrained in the rear cargo area of vehicles.

The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters, friends) who provides transportation
for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968.

Public transportation (taxis, buses), regulation school buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.

The child restraint device law is primary enforcement -- no other violation need be committed prior to ticketing
for failure to have a child in an approved seat.

A $50 civil penalty fine is imposed for failure to transport a child in a child restraint device. A $20 civil penalty
fine is assessed when persons transporting a child exempted from this law due to medical reasons do not carry
a written statement of the exemption. All fines collected go into a special fund to purchase safety seats
for low-income families.

There are assistance programs for low-income residents who cannot afford a safety seat. Contact Virginia
Department of Health, Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at 1-800-732-8333 for more information.
Virginia’s Passenger Safety Belt Law
(Code of Virginia Article 12 - Section 46.2)
The major requirements of Virginia's Child Safety Belt Law:
Effective July 1, 2007: Children age 8 through age 15 (until age 16) must be belted correctly in vehicle
safety belts in vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968. Exemptions are taxicabs, school buses, executive
sedans and limousines.

This safety belt law is primary enforcement -- no other violation need be committed prior to ticketing for failure
to have a child correctly buckled up.

A $50 civil penalty fine will be imposed. All fines collected go into a special fund to purchase safety seats
for low-income families.
Virginia’s Pickup Truck Law
(Code of Virginia Section 46.2 - 1094)
The major requirements of Virginia’s Pickup Truck Law:

No child under the age of 16 shall be transported in the rear cargo area of a pickup truck.
exemptions for certain parades and farming operations.
For more information, contact:
Division of Injury and Violence Prevention
Virginia Department of Health
th
109 Governor Street, 8 Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
1-800-732-8333
There are
5/07
Are You Using It Right, DOT HS 809 245
Page 1 of 1
General Child Seat Use Information
Children ages 12 and under are safest when properly buckled in the rear seat.
Always refer to the child seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and installation instructions.
Age/Weight
Seat Type/Seat Position
Usage Tips
Infants
Birth to at least
1 year and
at least 20 lbs.
Less than 1 year/
20-35 lbs.
Children may remain in their rear-facing
seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the
height or weight requirements.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Never use in a front seat where
Convertible Seat/used rearan air bag is present.
facing
Tightly install child seat in
Convertible Seat/used rearrear seat, facing the rear.
facing (select one recommended
for heavier infants)
Child seat should recline at
approximately a
Seats should be secured to the
45 degree angle.
vehicle by the safety belts or by
the LATCH system.
Harness straps/slots at or
below shoulder level
(lower set of slots for most
convertible child safety seats).
Harness straps snug on child;
harness clip at armpit level.
Preschoolers/Toddlers
1 to 4 years/
at least 20 lbs.
to approximately
40 lbs.
Convertible Seat/forward-facing
or
Forward-Facing Only or
Combination Seat with Harness.
Children may remain in their forwardfacing seats as long as they haven’t
exceeded the height or
weight requirements.
vehicle by the safety belts or by the
LATCH system.
Tightly install child seat in
rear seat, facing forward.
Harness straps/slots at or
above child’s shoulders
(usually top set of slots for
convertible child
safety seats).
Harness straps snug on child;
harness clip
at armpit level.
Young Children
4 to at least8 years/unless
they are 4’9”(57”) tall.
Belt-Positioning Booster
No back or
High Back Belt-Positioning
Booster.
NEVER use with
lap-only belts—
belt-positioning boosters are always
used with lap and shoulder belts.
Booster used with adult lap
and shoulder belt in rear seat.
Shoulder belt should rest
snugly across chest, rests on
shoulder; and should NEVER
be placed under the arm or
behind the back.
Lap-belt should rest low,
across the lap/upper
thigh area—
not across the stomach.
Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to fill out the registration card that comes
with new child seats.
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http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/AreYouUsing/pages/GeneralCSSUse.htm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Page 1 of 7
(to print page use landscape mode)
data last updated 03/26/2007
NHTSA began rating child restraint systems, which include booster seats, in 2002 -- using a grading system of "A," "B," or
"C" to denote how easy certain features are to use on safety seats. For 2007, NHTSA rated 101 child safety seats from 19
different manufacturers for 2007. Of the 101 seats rated, 81 percent received an overall score of “A.” In 2006, 85 percent
of rated seats received an overall score of “A.” NHTSA's Ease of Use Ratings program strives to prompt child restraint
system (CRS) manufacturers to improve their products and make them easier for consumers to use. Highlights from the
2007 ratings of selected safety seats are as follows:
z
z
z
A total of 165 ratings were awarded in 2007, covering all the multiple use modes for convertible and combination
seats available in the 101 safety seats selected. This was an increase from 2006, where 99 seats were selected with a
total of 160 individual ratings. The 2007 ratings are estimated to cover over 95 percent of safety seats currently
available to consumers.
In order for a seat to qualify for an overall "A," it must receive an "A" rating in every possible mode. Out of the 101
seats rated, 82 received an "A" overall, 8 received a "B" overall, and 11 had mixed scores of either an "A" or "B" for
each of its modes.
As in 2006, there were no safety seats that received an overall "C" rating; however, there were several "C" scores in
some individual categories.
In addition to the overall rating, NHTSA also uses the letter grading system to denote how well the child safety seats
perform in five individual categories:
z
z
z
z
z
Whether the seat is pre-assembled or requires assembly after purchase.
Clarity of the labeling attached to the seat.
Clarity of written instructions regarding the seat’s proper use.
Ease of securing a child in the seat.
Whether the seat has features that make it easier to install in a vehicle.
Remember, the best child safety seat is the one that fits your child properly, is easy to use, and fits in your vehicle
correctly. The best way to ensure a proper fit in your vehicle is to try installing the child seat before purchasing.
Be certain you've installed your child safety or booster seat correctly by having it checked at a child safety seat inspection
station or by a certified child passenger safety technician. To find one near you, visit
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CPSFitting or www.seatcheck.org. You can also call 1-888-DASH-2-DOT or 1-866SEATCHECK.
For questions and answers about NHTSA’s Ease of Use Ratings program click here.
For additional information on child restraint systems click here.
For guidelines in using Ease of Use ratings in advertising and communications click here.
Infant
Convertible
Forward Facing
Combination
Booster
Infant seats
Manufacturer
Model Number and
and Model
Date of Manufacture
Name
AngelGuard
A02403FOF (04-28AngelRide
2006)
Baby Trend
6311 (01-07-2007)
Flex-Loc
Baby Trend
6078 (05-14-2003)
Latch Loc
Britax
E9L2030 (07-28-2004)
Companion
Chicco
04 060414 860 070 (02KeyFit
01-2006)
Combi
807460 (10-20-2005)
Centre DX
Combi
8065 (10-16-2005)
Centre ST
Combi
8040 (07-27-2005)
Connection
Compass
I400-CLP (03-17-2005)
I400
Eddie Bauer
22-627-BYT (12-22Infant Car Seat 2006)
Evenflo
25803612 (02-14-2006)
Discovery
Evenflo
3171076 (08-22-2006)
Embrace
Overall
Evaluation
Securing Ease of
Harness Weight/Height
Evaluation
of
Installing
the
Use
Assembly of Labels Instructions Features
Child
Type
Range
Rating
3-pt
up to 9lbs/up to
A
A
A
A
A
A
20"
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
5-pt
3-pt
5-pt
5-22lbs/up to
28.5"
5-22 lbs
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
4-22lbs/up to
30"
4-22lbs/up to
30"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-22lbs/up to
29"
5-22lbs/up to
29"
up to 22 lbs/up
to 29"
4-22lbs/up to
30"
5-22lbs/19"29"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
5-22lbs/19"29"
5-22lbs/19"26"
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
Graco
Infant
SafeSeat
Graco
Infant
SafeSeat
Graco
Infant
SafeSeat
Graco
SnugRide 3-pt
Graco
Snugride 5-pt
(A-Lok)
Graco
SnugRide 5-pt
(rear-adjust)
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio
SIP
Safety 1st
Starter DX
8A00RNS (12-07-2005)
5-30lbs/up to
32"
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-30lbs/up to
32"
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-30lbs/up to
32"
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
up to 20lbs/up
to 26"
A
A
A
A
B
A
IMCC00US35CR13GT34 5-pt
(01-19-2007)
5-22lbs/up to
30"
A
A
B
A
A
A
22-315-SHA (02-082007)
5-22lbs/19"29"
A
A
A
A
B
A
8A03QST (12-07-2005)
8A06LEG (12-07-2005)
5-pt
Page 2 of 7
5-pt
5-pt
8642SFT (02-02-2005)
3-pt
8649LOT2 (02-17-2006)
5-pt
8643DOH (02-09-2005)
Convertible seats
5-pt
5pt
up to 20lbs/up
to 26"
5-22lbs/up to
29"
FF: Forward Facing, RF: Rear Facing
Manufacturer
and Model
Name
Britax
Boulevard (FF)
Model Number
Evaluation
and Date of
Assembly of Labels
Type
Range
Manufacture
E9L5709 (095-pt
up to 65lbs/up to
27-2005)
49"
A
B
Britax
Boulevard (RF)
E9L5709 (0927-2005)
5-pt
Britax
Decathlon (FF)
E9L4741 (0302-2005)
5-pt
Britax
Decathlon (RF)
E9L4741 (0302-2005)
5-pt
Britax
Marathon (FF)
E9L0642 (0130-2004)
5-pt
Britax
Marathon (RF)
E9L0642 (0130-2004)
5-pt
Britax
Roundabout
(FF)
Britax
Roundabout
(RF)
Cosco
Scenera (FF)
E9L0216 (0301-2005)
5-pt
E9L0216 (0301-2005)
5-pt
22-145-BVL
(02-12-2007)
OHS
Cosco
Scenera (RF)
22-145-BVL
(02-12-2007)
OHS
Cosco
Scenera DX
(FF)
Cosco
Scenera DX
(RF)
Evenflo
Titan (FF)
22-121-KCD
(01-18-2006)
5-pt
22-121-KCD
(01-18-2006)
5-pt
3671661 (0124-2006)
5-pt
Evenflo
Titan (RF)
3671661 (0124-2006)
5-pt
Evenflo
Tribute (FF)
3781688 (1020-2006)
OHS
Evenflo
Tribute (RF)
3781688 (1020-2006)
OHS
Evenflo
Tribute 5 (FF)
3791582 (0220-2007)
5-pt
Evenflo
Tribute 5 (RF)
3791582 (0220-2007)
5-pt
Evenflo
Triumph (FF)
3591331 (0130-2007)
5-pt
Evaluation
of
Instructions
Installing
Features
Securing
the Child
Overall
Ease of
Use
Rating
A
A
A
A
5-60lbs/up to 49"
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
C
B
A
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
B
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
30-40lbs/up to
40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
5-30lbs/min. of
19"
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/19"40"
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/up to
40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
5-30 lbs-19"-top
of crs
A
A
A
B
B
A
20-40 lbs/up to
40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
up to 65lbs/up to
49"
5-33lbs/up to 49"
no min-65 lbs/
18"to 49"
5-33 lbs/18-49"
up to 40lbs/up to
40"
5-33lbs
22-40lbs/34"-43"
5-35lbs/19"-36"
22-40lbs/34"-42"
5-35lbs/19"-36"
5-30 lbs-19"-40"
10/23/2007
Evenflo
Triumph (RF)
3591331 (0130-2007)
5-pt
Evenflo
Triumph DLX
(FF)
Evenflo
Triumph DLX
(RF)
Evenflo
Triumph LX
(FF)
Evenflo
Triumph LX
(RF)
Fisher Price
Safe Voyage
(FF)
Fisher Price
Safe Voyage
(RF)
Graco
Comfort Sport
(FF)
Graco
Comfort Sport
(RF)
Safety 1st
Uptown (FF)
3941739 (1116-2006)
5-pt
3941739 (1116-2006)
5-pt
3891748 (1023-2006)
5-pt
3891748 (1023-2006)
5pt
EF20B1A (1120-2006)
5-pt
EF20B1A (1120-2006)
5-pt
8635BLD (1115-2005)
5-pt
8635BLD (1115-2005)
5-pt
22-475-BVL
(12-07-2006)
5-pt
Safety 1st
Uptown (RF)
22-475-BVL
(12-07-2006)
5-pt
Sunshine Kids
Radian 65 (FF)
C16500 (10-262007)
5-pt
Sunshine Kids
Radian 65 (RF)
C16500 (10-262007)
5-pt
Sunshine Kids
Radian 80 (FF)
Sunshine Kids
Radian 80 (RF)
C16500
5-pt
C16500 (10-062006)
5-pt
Triple Play
Sit 'N Stroll
(FF)
Triple Play
Sit 'N Stroll
(RF)
4001 (06-072005)
5-pt
4001 (06-072005)
5-pt
Page 3 of 7
5-30 lbs-19"-top
of crs
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/up to
40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-30 lbs-19"-top
of crs
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/up to
40"
A
B
A
B
A
A
5-30 lbs-19"-top
of crs
B
A
A
B
A
B
20-55lbs/up to
49"
B
A
A
A
A
A
C
B
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
B
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
A
B
A
B
B
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
A
B
20-40lbs/up to
40"
A
A
B
A
A
A
5-20lbs/18" to
40"
A
A
B
A
A
A
Securing
the Child
Overall
Ease of
Use
Rating
A
A
5-33lbs/up to 1"
under top of
CRS
22-40lbs/up to
40"
5-35lbs
22-42lbs/34"-43"
5-35lbs/19"-36"
22-65lbs/up to
49"
5-33lbs/up to 49"
up to 80lbs/up to
49"
5-33lbs/up to 49"
Forward Facing seats
Manufacturer
and Model
Name
Britax
Regent
Model Number
Evaluation Evaluation of Installing
and Date of
Assembly of Labels
Instructions Features
Type
Range
Manufacture
E9L39C5 (015-pt
22-80lbs/up to
05-2006)
53"
A
A
A
A
Graco
Toddler
SafeSeat
(8B00BLI)
Graco
Toddler
SafeSeat
(8B02BAI)
Safeguard
Child Seat
8B00BLI (0331-2006)
5-pt
8B02BAI (0222-2006)
5-pt
F17560 (10-202005)
5-pt
Safety 1st
Tote 'N Go
22-909-JRM
(12-18-2004)
5-pt
Combination seats
20-40lbs/up to
43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-65lbs/up to
57"
A
A
A
A
A
A
25-40lbs/32"40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
20-40lbs/up to
43"
FF: Forward Facing, RF: Rear Facing, B: Booster
Manufacturer and
Model Name
Cosco
Alpha Omega (B)
Model
Evaluation
Securing
Number and
Evaluation
of
Installing
the
Date of
Assembly of Labels Instructions Features
Child
Type
Range
Manufacture
22-151-BLA
Highback 40-80lbs/43" to
(11-14-2005)
52"
B
A
A
A
C
Cosco
22-151-BLA
5-pt
Overall
Ease of
Use
Rating
A
22-40lbs/34" to
10/23/2007
Alpha Omega (FF)
(11-14-2005)
43"
Cosco
Alpha Omega (RF)
22-151-BLA
(11-14-2005)
5-pt
Cosco
Alpha Omega Elite
(B)
Cosco
Alpha Omega Elite
(FF)
Cosco
Alpha Omega Elite
(RF)
Cosco
Alpha Sport 3-in-1
(B)
Cosco
Alpha Sport 3-in-1
(FF)
Cosco
Alpha Sport 3-in-1
(RF)
Cosco
Eddie Bauer
Adjustable HB
Booster (B)
Cosco
Eddie Bauer
Adjustable HB
Booster (FF)
Cosco
Highback Booster (B)
22-158-BBL
(02-14-2007)
Page 4 of 7
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-35lbs/19" to
36"
B
A
A
B
A
A
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-158-BBL
(02-14-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
B
A
A
A
A
22-158-BBL
(02-14-2007)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
B
B
22-458-NYC
(12-01-2006)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-458-NYC
(12-01-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
B
A
A
B
A
22-458-NYC
(12-01-2006)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
B
B
22-880-HPN
(01-04-2006)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"48"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-880-HPN
(01-04-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
B
A
A
A
B
A
22-206-GTH
(12-15-2006)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Cosco
Highback Booster
(FF)
Cosco
Summit(B)
22-206-GTH
(12-15-2006)
5pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
B
A
A
B
A
22-262-ASP
(12-19-2006)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Cosco
Summit(FF)
22-262-ASP
(12-19-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Cosco
Ventura (B)
22-248-BVL
(11-30-2006)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Cosco
Ventura (FF)
22-248-BVL
(11-30-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Eddie Bauer
Comfort HB Booster
(B)
Eddie Bauer
Comfort HB Booster
(FF)
Eddie Bauer
Comfort High Back
Booster (B)
Eddie Bauer
Comfort High Back
Booster (FF)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe Convertible
(B)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe Convertible
(FF)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe Convertible
(RF)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe Convertible 3in-1 (B)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe Convertible 3in-1 (FF)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe Convertible 3in-1 (RF)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe HB Booster
(B)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe HB Booster
(FF)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe High Back
22-868-LRS
(02-07-2007)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
22-868-LRS
(02-07-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-863-BGL
(02-05-2005)
High
Back
30-100lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
B
A
22-863-BGL
(02-05-2005)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
22-741-WNW
(01-29-2007)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-741-WNW
(01-29-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
22-741-WNW
(01-29-2007)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
A
B
22-758-BYT
(01-26-2007)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
22-758-BYT
(01-26-2007)
5 pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-758-BYT
(01-26-2007)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
A
B
A
B
A
A
22-865-LAT
(12-11-2006)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-865-LAT
(12-11-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-862-AFD
(10-24-2004)
High
Back
30-100lbs/29"52"
B
A
A
A
n/a
A
10/23/2007
Booster (B)
Eddie Bauer
Deluxe High Back
Booster (FF)
Eddie Bauer
High Back Booster
(B)
Eddie Bauer
High Back Booster
(FF)
Evenflo
Bolero (B)
22-862-AFD
(10-24-2004)
5-pt
22-859-AFD
(12-27-2004)
Page 5 of 7
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
High
Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
B
A
22-859-AFD
(12-27-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
A
A
A
B
A
3831598 (0119-2006)
Highback 30-100lbs/37"
to 57"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Evenflo
Bolero (FF)
3831598 (0119-2006)
5-pt
A
A
A
A
B
A
Evenflo
Express/Chase/Chase
LX/Chase
DLX/Traditions (B)
Evenflo
Express/Chase/Chase
LX/Chase
DLX/Traditions (FF)
Evenflo
Generations (B)
3261692 (1211-2006)
High
Back
30-100lbs/37"54"
B
A
A
A
B
A
3261692 (1211-2006)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"43"
B
B
B
A
B
B
3521746 (1005-2006)
High
Back
30-100lbs/37"57"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Evenflo
Generations (FF)
3521746 (1005-2006)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"43"
A
A
B
A
B
A
Graco
CarGo (B)
8690CNN (02- Highback 30-100lbs/35"
21-2006)
to 54"
A
A
A
C
C
A
Graco
CarGo (FF)
8690CNN (02- 5-pt
21-2006)
20-40lbs/27" to
43"
A
A
A
B
B
A
Graco
Platinum Cargo (B)
8689HOU (01- High
26-2005)
Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Graco
Platinum Cargo (FF)
8689HOU (01- 5-pt
26-2005)
20-40lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Graco
Treasured Cargo (B)
8486HMP (01- High
09-2004)
Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
C
B
A
Graco
Treasured Cargo (FF)
8486HMP (01- 5-pt
09-2004)
20-40lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Graco
Ultra Cargo (B)
8487AIS (0309-2004)
High
Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
C
B
A
Graco
Ultra Cargo (B)
8487TEC (0304-2004)
High
Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
C
B
A
Graco
Ultra Cargo (FF)
8487AIS (0309-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Graco
Ultra Cargo (FF)
8487TEC (0304-2004)
5-pt
20-40 lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Recaro
Young Sport (B)
500001778
(01-14-2006)
High
Back
30-80lbs/37"59"
C
B
B
A
C
B
Recaro
Young Sport (FF)
500001778
(01-14-2006)
5-pt
18-40lbs/27"40"
B
C
B
B
A
B
Safeguard
GO (B)
F17920 (1201-2006)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"57"
A
A
A
B
C
A
Safeguard
GO (FF)
F17920 (1201-2006)
5-pt
30-60lbs/34"52"
A
B
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st
Alpha Omega All-InOne (B)
Safety 1st
Alpha Omega All-InOne (FF)
Safety 1st
Alpha Omega All-InOne (RF)
Safety 1st
Alpha Sport 3 Phase
(B)
Safety 1st
Alpha Sport 3 Phase
(FF)
22-152-BVL
(02-15-2007)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-152-BVL
(02-15-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-152-BVL
(02-15-2007)
5pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
A
A
22-452-RBY
(12-29-2005)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"53"
B
A
A
A
B
A
22-452-RBY
(12-29-2005)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
20-40lbs/29" to
43"
10/23/2007
Safety 1st
Alpha Sport 3 Phase
(RF)
Safety 1st
Apex 65 (B)
22-452-RBY
(12-29-2005)
5-pt
22-535-CDE
(01-11-2007)
Safety 1st
Apex 65 (FF)
Page 6 of 7
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
A
A
B
A
A
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"57"
B
A
A
n/a
C
A
22-535-CDE
(01-11-2007)
5-pt
22-65lbs/34"52"
A
B
A
A
B
B
Safety 1st
Enspira (B)
22-450-WFD
(09-01-2004)
High
Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st
Enspira (FF)
22-450-WFD
(09-01-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
B
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st
Enspira (RF)
22-450-WFD
(09-01-2004)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st
Enspira Versa-Fit (B)
22-481-WAL
(01-19-2006)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st
22-481-WAL
Enspira Versa-Fit (FF) (01-19-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st
Enspira Versa-Fit
(RF)
Safety 1st
Intera (B)
22-481-WAL
(01-19-2006)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
A
A
B
B
B
22-460-BDF
(08-18-2004)
No Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
B
A
A
n/a
B
A
Safety 1st
Intera (B)
22-460-BDF
(08-18-2004)
High
Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
B
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st
Intera (FF)
22-460-BDF
(08-18-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st
Intera (RF)
22-460-BDF
(08-18-2004)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
A
A
A
B
A
A
Safety 1st
Prospect (B)
22-580-WAL
(01-26-2006)
Highback 40-100lbs/48"57"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st
Prospect (FF)
22-580-WAL
(01-26-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st
Summit Deluxe (B)
22-565-WAL
(02-07-2007)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st
Summit Deluxe (FF)
22-565-WAL
(02-07-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st
Surveyor (B)
22-562-RSH
(01-26-2006)
High
Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st
Surveyor (FF)
22-562-RSH
(01-26-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st
Vantage Point (B)
22-561-WAL
(02-02-2005)
High
Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
B
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st
Vantage Point (FF)
22-561-WAL
(02-02-2005)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Booster seats
Manufacturer
and Model
Name
Britax
Monarch
Britax
Parkway
Model Number
Harness
and Date of
Type
Manufacture
E9053E9 (10High
17-2006)
Back/No
Back
E904157 (01-10- High
2005)
Back
Combi
Dakota
8820 (08-092005)
No Back
Combi
Kobuk
8970 (05-272005)
Compass
B500
Compass
Weight/Height
Evaluation
Assembly of Labels
Range
min 40lbs/38"60"
A
B
Evaluation
of
Instructions
Installing
Features
Securing
the Child
Overall
Ease of
Use
Rating
B
A
B
B
30-100lbs/38"60"
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
33-100lbs/33"57"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
33-100lbs/33"57"
A
B
A
A
B
A
B500 (10-282004)
High
Back/No
Back
High
Back
30-100lbs/38"57"
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
B510 (07-04-
High
30-100lbs/38"-
10/23/2007
B510
2006)
Back
57"
Cosco
Ambassador
22-296-WAL
(01-28-2005)
No Back
Cosco
Complete
Voyager
Cosco
High Rise
22-210-WAL
(11-26-2005)
22-299-NAN
(01-23-2005)
Cosco
Protek
Page 7 of 7
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
30-100lbs/29"57"
A
A
A
n/a
n/a
A
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
No Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
A
A
A
n/a
n/a
A
22-291-VIN (09- High
28-2004)
Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
B
A
A
A
B
A
Cosco
Select Ride
22-212-FMN
(01-27-2006)
High
Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
Cosco
Traveler
22-270-CBA
(01-04-2005)
High
Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
Evenflo
Big Kid
3371751 (10-22- No Back
2006)
40-100lbs/40"57"
B
A
B
B
n/a
A
Evenflo
Big Kid
3371751 (10-22- High
2006)
Back/No
Back
2791615L2 (12- No Back
28-2006)
30-100lbs/38"57"
B
A
B
A
B
A
40-100lbs/up to
57"
B
A
B
B
n/a
B
Fisher Price
Safe Voyage
Booster
Graco
My Cargo
EF35B2A (0328-2006)
High
Back/No
Back
High
Back
39"-57"
C
A
A
A
B
B
30-100lbs/ 35"54"
A
A
A
C
n/a
A
Graco
TurboBooster
8491CKT (0609-2005)
No Back
40-100lbs/40"57"
B
A
A
B
n/a
A
Graco
TurboBooster
SafeSeat
Jane'
Indy Plus
8673FIC (10-28- High
2005)
Back
40-100lbs/40"57"
B
A
A
B
n/a
A
4534 (04-012006)
High
Back
30-80lbs
A
B
C
A
n/a
B
LaRoche Bros.
Grizzly Bear
LaRoche Bros.
Teddy Bear
Recaro
Start
1/GB2 2004
30-100lbs/33"-
A
C
C
A
n/a
B
30-80 lbs/33"-
A
C
C
A
n/a
B
321.00.0614
(10-28-2003)
High
Back
High
Back
High
Back
30-80 lbs/37"59"
A
B
B
A
n/a
A
Recaro
Young Style
350.00.MM44
(10-04-2005)
High
Back
30-80lbs/up to
59"
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
Safety 1st
Prospect
22-595-WAL
(01-15-2007)
No Back
40-100lbs/43"57"
B
A
A
n/a
n/a
A
Evenflo
Big Kid
8481CHL (0213-2004)
1 1998
10/23/2007
Child Passenger Safety
A P arent ’ s pri m er
When you’re an expectant mother, it’s important to always wear your seat belt to protect you and your unborn child. Wear
the lap belt across your hips and below your belly with the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts). Once
your baby is born, follow these important safety steps.
Growing Up Safe: It’s a four-step process.
As children grow, how they sit in your car, truck or SUV should change.
Save your child from injury or death by observing all four steps:
For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety
seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a
minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds.
REAR-FACING
SEATS
FORWARDFACING SEATS
When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20
pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they
reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and
40 pounds).
BOOSTER
SEATS
Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds),
they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly.
Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder
belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall).
When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall)
they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the
upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).
sEAT beltS
Get Help!
On the web
Go to www.nhtsa.gov and choose Child Safety Seat
Information from the menu or click on the child passenger
safety icon. The site includes child safety seat installation tips,
product ratings, recalls, and other useful information.
BY PHONE
For more information about child safety seats, booster seats,
inspection/fitting stations in your area, seat belts, air bags, and
other highway safety issues, call the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline
at: 1-888-327-4236. NEAR YOU
A certified child passenger safety technician can check your
installation and answer questions. To find a technician or an
inspection station near you, go to www.nhtsa.gov, click on
the child passenger safety icon, and then click on the Fitting/
Inspection Station link or go to www.seatcheck.org.
REMEMBER: All children under 13 should ride in the back seat.
Always read the child restraint instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual.
DOT HS 809 245
(revised) March 2005
This booklet may be copied, printed or reproduced
without modification for non-commercial distribution.
ARE YOU USING IT RIGHT?
Four out of five of these children are incorrectly buckled.
Do you know which one is correct?
the big Picture
(Front Cover)
With the wide variety of child restraint systems, belt
Which child is buckled correctly?
systems and passenger vehicles, correctly install-
If you guessed the one in the middle, then you’re right.
The harness straps are flat, snug and in position, and the
chest clip is at the proper mid-chest, armpit level.
The other photos illustrate some common mistakes that
compromise protection and result in almost 80% of children
being improperly restrained.
Age/Weight
ing a child restraint system can be challenging. This
booklet is designed to help you identify and learn
how to correct common mistakes when install-
■ Upper left: The child is too small to be in a vehicle lap/
shoulder belt. The shoulder belt is under the child’s arm,
and the lap belt is resting on the child’s abdomen.
ing a child restraint and securing your child in the
■ Upper right: Harness straps are too high, loose and the
chest clip is too low.
prove overall protection for your child. Always read
■ Bottom right: Harness straps are loose and twisted and
the chest clip is disconnected.
child restraint and vehicle manufacturers’ instruc-
■ Bottom left: Although the lap belt is positioned correctly,
the vehicle shoulder belt is under the child’s arm.
restraint. Making the right connections will help im-
Harness Slots (3 sets)
Usage Tips
INFANTS
Birth to at least
1 year and
at least 20 lbs.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or
Convertible Seat/used rear-facing
Less than 1 year/
20-35 lbs.
(select one recommended for
heavier infants)
Children may remain in
their rear-facing seats
as long as they haven’t
the LATCH system.
Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
Child seat should recline at approximately
a 45 degree angle.
Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower
set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip
at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS/TODDLERS
tions for proper use and installation information.
Air Bag Warning Label
1 to 4 years/
at least 20 lbs.
to approximately
40 lbs.
their forward-facing seats
Convertible Seat/forward-facing or
Forward-Facing Only or Combination
Seat with Harness.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders
(usually top set of slots for convertible child
safety seats).
LATCH system.
at armpit level.
Harness Chest Clip
5 Pt. Harness System (contacting child at shoulders, hips and groin)
Harness Release Button (red)
Belt Path (not pictured)
See page 6 for an illustration.
Harness Release Mechanism
Pull Strap To Tighten Harness
YOUNG CHILDREN
4 to at least
8 years/unless
they are 4’9”
(57”) tall.
No back or
High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.
NEVER use with lap-only belts—
Booster used with adult lap and shoulder
belt in rear seat.
Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on
shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm
or behind the back.
Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper
thigh area—not across the stomach.
Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to fill out the registration card that comes with new child seats.
Air Bags
....................
Take a back seat to air bags
An infant in a rear-facing
child restraint should NEVER
be positioned in the path of
a frontal air bag.
■ Child should be in the back seat. Infant seat is
in the air bag deployment zone.
NO!
Air
Deploy Bag
ment Z
one
air bag
deployment
zone
1
the danger zone
■ Rear-facing child is positioned in front of the
passenger air bag deployment zone.
■ Seat is resting on the dash/air bag.
I
■ Child is also incorrectly secured:
Harness chest clip is too low (should be
at armpit level).
N
Harness straps are positioned too high
(should be at, or below, infant’s shoulders).
C
o
NO!
R
R
E
C
Air bags can cause serious
injury or death to children,
especially infants in rearfacing child seats.
T
Rear-Facing Infant Seats
....................
well-connected
■ Harness chest clip is correctly positioned at the child’s mid-chest
or armpit level.
2
■ Harness straps are snug and straight.
■ Rear-facing harness straps should be positioned at, or slightly
below, the child’s shoulders.
A harness chest clip should be positioned
at the child’s mid-chest or armpit level.
This keeps the shoulder straps in the
correct position.
the right angle
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
■ Used with a detachable base, this rear-facing infant
seat is positioned at approximately a 45-degree angle
(check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the
correct angle).
Children are safest when
properly restrained in the
back seat.
....................
too Upright Is Wrong
■ An infant seat sitting too upright can cause
a child’s head to drop forward, cutting
off his/her airway.
Don’t Let The Clip Slip
■ After-market products
have forced the chest
clip to ride too low on
the child’s abdomen.
NO!
3
NO!
I
NO!
O
R
■ Chest clip is not
fastened.
NO!
R
E
■ Children should
never be wrapped
up in a blanket,
thick coat or other
bulky garments before being strapped
into a restraint system. Instead, place
blankets over the internal harness straps.
C
■ Twisted, loose harness
straps compromise
protection.
Take The Wraps Off
N
Resist The Twist
C
T
Rear-Facing Infant Seats
....................
Well-Covered
In Position
■ Blanket is correctly
placed over both
the internal harness
straps and the child.
4
continued
■ Harness straps and
chest clip are correctly positioned.
■ Blanket covering
child is correctly
positioned.
A blanket should
never be placed
between the child
and the harness
straps, or underneath or behind the
child.
■ Rolled towels are
placed on both sides
of the child for proper
position.
Close The Gap
■ A rolled towel or foam noodle at
the crack of the vehicle seat helps
position the infant seat at the
correct 45-degree angle (check
the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct angle).
■ A washcloth helps
fill the space between the restraint
buckle and the child’s
groin area.
■ Harness straps are
snug and straight.
R
R
E
C
T
On A Roll
C
O
Wash
cloth
rolled
towel
....................
Don’t compromise on size
NO!
■ The seat is too small for the child. His head is at the top of
the seat. Use a convertible seat that can be used rear-facing
to 30-35 lbs.
5
■ Chest clip is positioned too low. (Should be at armpit level).
I
N
Rear-facing infant seats should NEVER be
placed in a forward-facing position.
Babies should ride rear-facing until at least
one year of age and at least 20 pounds.
C
NO!
O
avoid making a wrong turn
■ Rear-facing infant seat is incorrectly placed in
a forward-facing position.
R
■ Safety belt is loose and placed through the
incorrect belt path.
R
E
■ Harness straps are loose.
C
T
■ Carrying handle is in the upright position.
For most child seats, handle should be in
the down position.
Rear-Facing Convertible Seats
....................
Below the Shoulders
■ Harness straps on rear-facing seats should be positioned at,
or slightly below, the child’s shoulders.
6
■ Harness chest clip is in the correct location.
■ Harness straps are snug and straight.
E
■ Child restraint is positioned at approximately
a 45-degree angle (check the manufacturer’s
recommendation for the correct angle).
C
O
R
The Right Angle
R
C
T
For a snug fit, adjust harness
straps so they lie in a straight
line without sagging. Place the
chest clip at the armpit level.
■ Harness straps and chest clip
are correctly positioned on the
child’s body.
■ Child seat is secured using the
correct belt path.
....................
oversized seats minimize safety
■ Infant is much too small for the
convertible seat. Her head is in
front of the shield.
Don’t Take The Wrong Path
■ Safety belt system is placed through
the incorrect belt path.
7
NO!
NO!
incorrect
correct
I
avoid the upright position
N
Straps That ARe Loose Limit Use
C
E
C
T
■ Child is too small for
the restraint.
R
not touching the
child’s shoulders.
NO!
R
■ Chest clip is positioned too low.
It should be at
armpit level.
NO!
■ Restraint is positioned at the incorrect angle causing
the infant to sit too
upright. This could
cause an infant to
drop his/her head,
cutting off the airway.
O
loose, twisted and
positioned too high
above the infant’s
shoulders. Straps
must be snug, lie
flat and be at, or
slightly below, the
infant’s shoulders.
Forward-Facing Convertible Seats
....................
over and Above
■ Harness straps on
forward-facing
restraints should
be positioned at, or
slightly above, the
child’s shoulders.
8
snug and straight.
Children should remain in a
forward facing child restraint
until they are approximately
40 pounds and 4 years of age.
■ Harness chest clip
is positioned at the
child’s mid-chest or
armpit area.
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
Fit To A T-shield
■ T-shield is correctly
positioned, and is
resting snugly on
the child’s thighs.
snug and straight
and are at, or above,
shoulder level.
■ Harness chest
clip is positioned
at the child’s midchest or armpit level.
shield of defense
■ Tray shield is correctly positioned
on the child.
snug and straight
and are at, or above,
shoulder level.
....................
Take Up The slack
NO!
Tighten up the straps
loose and twisted.
loose.
NO!
■ Harness chest clip is
too low and not
connected.
■ Harness chest clip is
too low.
9
I
E
C
T
■ Safety belt system is
placed through the
incorrect belt path.
R
■ Chest clip is too low
and not connected.
R
loose.
NO!
O
Be sure to read
the manufacturer’s
instructions to
determine which
harness slots
should be used.
NO!
■ This infant should
not be forward-facing. Children under
one year and under
20 pounds should
remain rear-facing.
C
not in use.
keep infants rear-facing
N
Stay Connected
Forward-Facing Seats
....................
the right combination
5-Point Harness
■ Combination seats
convert from a 5-point
harness system to a
belt-positioning
booster seat.
■ When a combination
seat is used with a
5-point harness, the
child seat must be
secured to the
vehicle using the
vehicle’s safety belt
system.
10
art to
■ At 40 pounds,
harness straps should
be removed and child
should use the vehicle
lap/shoulder belt.
■ This seat has a flap
in the seat cover to
make threading the
safety belt through
the child seat easier.
■ Some combination
seats may be used
without harness
straps up to 60, 65,
70 or 80 pounds.
built-in protection
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
an overlapping option
■ This looks like a
booster seat. But,
it is a forward-facing
restraint that can be
used with either a
lap or lap/shoulder
belt combination
on a child weighing
30–65 pounds.
■ No longer in
production.
■ An integrated seat
is a built-in option
on some vehicles and
is forward-facing only.
■ Integrated child restraints have a 5-point
harness system.
■ Read the vehicle
owner’s manual for
weight limits.
....................
size up the situation
NO!
■ Child has outgrown the internal harness system of the child restraint.
The harness straps are below the child’s shoulders.
■ Internal harness system should be removed.
11
■ Child should use the seat as a belt-positioning booster with the vehicle
lap/shoulder belt system.
KEEP STRAPS at or ABOVE
THE SHOULDERS
■ Harness straps in a forward-facing restraint system should not be below the child’s shoulders.
I
N
R
E
C
■ Child is too small for the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. The
child should ride in a child safety seat until 40 lbs., then use
a belt positioning booster seat until at least 8 years old, unless
the child is 4’9” tall.
R
■ The shoulder belt is behind the child and the lap belt is riding up
on the child’s stomach. This can cause serious injury in a crash.
O
don’t move them out of
a safety seat too soon
C
NO!
T
Belt-Positioning Booster Seats
....................
Raise them up
12
■ No-back booster is used to correctly position the child
in a vehicle lap/shoulder belt.
■ Booster seat correctly positions the lap belt across the
child’s upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest.
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
High-back and no-back booster seats are
for children who have outgrown child safety
seats, at 40 lbs, and are not large enough
for the vehicle belt system. Children should
use a belt positioning booster seat until
they are at least 8 years old or 4’9” tall.
Always use the lap/shoulder belt
combination with a belt-positioning
booster. Never use a lap belt only.
a good fit
■ High-back booster is used to correctly position the
vehicle lap/shoulder belt on the child; correctly positioning the lap belt across the child’s upper thighs and the
shoulder belt across the chest.
■ A safety belt system may not fit properly on children who
cannot sit all the way back against the vehicle seat with
knees bent comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat.
....................
no-back booster
NO!
high-back booster
■ Child is incorrectly
positioned with a
vehicle lap belt only
and is at risk for
serious abdominal,
spinal and other
injuries.
■ Always use the lap/
shoulder belt with a
no-back, belt-positioning booster seat.
NO!
■ Child is incorrectly
positioned with a
vehicle lap belt only
and is at risk for
serious abdominal,
spinal and other
injuries.
13
■ Always use the lap/
shoulder belt with a
high-back booster.
I
N
No vehicle safety belt
C
R
R
■ Belt positioning
booster seat must be
used with the
vehicle’s lap and
shoulder belt.
NO!
O
■ Child does not have
vehicle safety belt on.
E
C
T
Safety Belt Systems
....................
maintain good posture
■ This lap/shoulder restraint system fits properly. The child’s back is
straight and her knees are bent at the edge of the vehicle seat.
14
The lap belt should fit snug and low
over the upper thighs. If it rides up on
the abdomen, it could cause serious
injuries in a crash.
keep lap belt low on the upper thighS
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
■ The lap belt is positioned securely on the child’s
upper thighs.
Children should sit straight
against the seat back.
Shoulder belts should fit
snugly across the chest.
....................
no belts behind the back
NO!
avoid add-on products
■ Shoulder belt is
incorrectly positioned behind the
child’s back.
■ Lap belt is too
high on the child’s
stomach.
Never allow a child
to place a shoulder
belt behind his/her
back.
NO!
■ Add-on product has
positioned the vehicle
lap belt too high on
the child’s abdomen.
These types of products are not crashtested by NHTSA.
15
■ Child should be in
a belt-positioning
booster seat.
I
R
R
E
C
T
■ Lap belt is on the
child’s abdomen,
which can cause
serious injury in
a crash.
NO!
O
■ Child is too small
to be in a vehicle
lap/shoulder belt.
C
■ Running the shoulder belt under a
child’s arm can
cause life-threatening injuries in a
crash.
N
A belt under the
arm can cause harm
Things To Remember
....................
put your weight into it
■ Get a tight fit between
the child restraint
system and the
vehicle seat. Put your
weight into the child
restraint system to
compress the vehicle
seat while tightening the safety belt as
much as possible.
16
special needs
■ Some children require special child restraints.
Premature infants, children with respiratory difficulties, orthopedic challenges, and neurological and behavioral problems may require special
child restraints.
lock it up
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
stay informed
■ Information on using vehicle safety belts with
child restraints may be obtained from the
vehicle safety belt’s and the owner’s manual.
■ For proper installation, read both the vehicle
owner’s manual and the child restraint instruction manual.
■ Newer safety belt
systems have
a built-in locking
mechanism.
■ Some vehicle safety
belt systems require
additional hardware,
such as a locking
clip, to lock the child
restraint during normal
driving conditions.
■ Check your vehicle’s
owner’s manual to
determine whether
a locking clip is
needed to secure
the child safety seat.
Things
To
Avoid
..........
The path of least resistance
■ Infant carriers are not designed to protect
infants in a crash. They do not have a belt
path or a label stating they meet federal
motor vehicle safety standards.
..........
the “child crusher” position
■ Child is unrestrained
and should be in the
child restraint in the
back seat. No adult
can safely transport
a child on his/her lap.
NO!
NO!
17
A lap-held,
unrestrained
child is in the
“child crusher”
position.
NO!
O
R
R
E
C
Always use the
correct child
restraint system.
Never use pillows,
books or towels
to boost a child.
Doing so can
compromise your
child’s safety.
C
NO!
■ A child should never be unrestrained in any
vehicle seat, with or without an air bag system.
N
■ Hard toys and
other objects
can become
dangerous
projectiles
during hard
braking and
crash situations. Use soft
toys only.
A lack of restraint
I
avoid child’s play
T
Warning Labels
....................
read the labels
■ Air bag warning
label on the safety
belt system.
■ Air bag warning label
on child restraint
system.
A
I
R
B
A
G
S
18
heed the warning
Air bags have saved the lives
of more than 6,500 people.
However, they work best
when everyone is buckled.
Children under 12 are safest
when properly restrained in
the back seat.
stay advised
■ Air bag warning label on vehicle visor.
LATCH
....................
(lower anchors and tethers for children)
lower anchor attachment
upper tether attachment
19
LATCH is required on most child safety
seats and all vehicles manufactured
after September 1, 2002.
A T T A C H M E N T S
latch child restraint
attachment
Upper tether attachment improves
protection by attaching the top of
the child safety seat more securely
to the vehicle. Older model vehicles
may require special hardware installation. Lower attachments make
installation easier by allowing the
child restraint to be attached to the
vehicle without using the vehicle’s
belt system.
Compatibility Issues
....................
no middle seat
20
■ Some vehicle seats do not have a
middle position that can be used
with a child restraint system.
contoured seat
■ Contours in vehicle
seats can make it
difficult to install a
child restraint
correctly.
V E H I C L E
S E A T S
■ Rear-facing convertible seat is too
upright.
jumpseats
■ Child restraint system
manufacturers prohibit the use of child
restraints in sidefacing vehicle seats
(jumpseats).
seat buckles
■ Buckles on extended webbing may make it
difficult to properly install a child restraint
system.
the big Picture
(Front Cover)
With the wide variety of child restraint systems, belt
Which child is buckled correctly?
systems and passenger vehicles, correctly install-
If you guessed the one in the middle, then you’re right.
The harness straps are flat, snug and in position, and the
chest clip is at the proper mid-chest, armpit level.
The other photos illustrate some common mistakes that
compromise protection and result in almost 80% of children
being improperly restrained.
Age/Weight
ing a child restraint system can be challenging. This
booklet is designed to help you identify and learn
how to correct common mistakes when install-
■ Upper left: The child is too small to be in a vehicle lap/
shoulder belt. The shoulder belt is under the child’s arm,
and the lap belt is resting on the child’s abdomen.
ing a child restraint and securing your child in the
■ Upper right: Harness straps are too high, loose and the
chest clip is too low.
prove overall protection for your child. Always read
■ Bottom right: Harness straps are loose and twisted and
the chest clip is disconnected.
child restraint and vehicle manufacturers’ instruc-
■ Bottom left: Although the lap belt is positioned correctly,
the vehicle shoulder belt is under the child’s arm.
restraint. Making the right connections will help im-
Harness Slots (3 sets)
Usage Tips
INFANTS
Birth to at least
1 year and
at least 20 lbs.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or
Less than 1 year/
20-35 lbs.
(select one recommended for
heavier infants)
their rear-facing seats
the LATCH system.
Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
Child seat should recline at approximately
a 45 degree angle.
Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower
set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS/TODDLERS
tions for proper use and installation information.
Air Bag Warning Label
1 to 4 years/
at least 20 lbs.
to approximately
40 lbs.
their forward-facing seats
Convertible Seat/forward-facing or
Forward-Facing Only or Combination
Seat with Harness.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders
(usually top set of slots for convertible child
safety seats).
LATCH system.
at armpit level.
Harness Chest Clip
5 Pt. Harness System (contacting child at shoulders, hips and groin)
Harness Release Button (red)
Belt Path (not pictured)
See page 6 for an illustration.
Harness Release Mechanism
Pull Strap To Tighten Harness
YOUNG CHILDREN
4 to at least
8 years/unless
they are 4’9”
(57”) tall.
No back or
High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.
NEVER use with lap-only belts—
Booster used with adult lap and shoulder
belt in rear seat.
Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on
shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm
or behind the back.
Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper
thigh area—not across the stomach.
Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to fill out the registration card that comes with new child seats.
DOT HS 809 245
(revised) March 2005
This booklet may be copied, printed or reproduced
without modification for non-commercial distribution.
ARE YOU USING IT RIGHT?
Four out of five of these children are incorrectly buckled.
Do you know which one is correct?