Texas Drivers: Use a booster seat for your child, or get a ticket

Do you or someone you know transport children around Houston or any of the surrounding towns?  Make sure you understand Texas’ new booster seat laws that went into effect last September, because as of June first police will start writing tickets for booster seat violations.

What does the law say?

• All children under the age of eight are required to ride in a “child passenger safety seat system”, which is either a traditional car seat with a harness or a booster seat.  Once the child is over 8 this law no longer applies.
• Children who are taller than 4 feet 9 inches are exempt from this law
• Parents and caregivers are required to follow the safety seat’s installation instructions from the manufacturer.

The new booster seat law went into effect September 1, 2009.  Up until June 1, 2010 police were only allowed to give drivers a verbal or written warning if a child riding in their vehicle was improperly restrained.  As of June 1, 2010, drivers can be fined $25 for their first offense and no more than $250 for their second or subsequent offences.

Read more about Texas booster seat laws and get advice:

• “What you need to know about the new Texas child safety seat laws”
• “Is your child really ready for an adult seat belt?”
• “Five tips for keeping your kids safe in their car or booster seat”