South Carolina's New Car Seat Law: What You Need To Know

Car seat laws in South Carolina require children under eight to use a car or booster seat. The type of seat depends on the child's age and size. These laws protect children in the same way that seat belt laws protect older children and adults. The laws were ratified on May 15, 2017, and approved on May 19, 2017.

Children under two must be in a rear-facing car seat

In South Carolina, children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. This law, S.C. Code § 56-5-6410, applies to all drivers of motor vehicles transporting children under eight years old in the state.

The law states that an infant or child under two years old must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat in the rear of the vehicle. This is to ensure the child's safety in the event of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children ride in rear-facing car seats until they reach the upper limits of height and weight for that seat. This is because it provides greater protection in a crash, keeping them within the vehicle and close to their original seating position. It also prevents contact with harmful interior surfaces and other occupants.

Convertible seats with higher rear-facing weight and height limits allow children to ride rear-facing well past the age of two. It is important to select the right seat for the child's height, weight, and developmental level. The NHTSA has a calculator that can help determine if a child should be in a rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat, based on their birth date, height, and weight.

It is the responsibility of the driver of the motor vehicle to ensure that children are properly secured in the appropriate car seats. Failure to comply with South Carolina's car seat laws can result in a fine of $150. However, the court must waive this fine if the person acquires the appropriate car seat before their court date and provides evidence of this.

Children aged two to four must be in a forward-facing car seat

In South Carolina, children aged two to four must be secured in a forward-facing car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. This is a legal requirement, and failure to comply can result in a fine of $150. The specific law is outlined in the S.C. Code § 56-5-6410, which states that children within this age group must be in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they exceed the height and weight requirements.

The transition from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat can be confusing for parents, but it is important to ensure the safety of children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible, even after turning two. The reason for this is that rear-facing car seats offer better protection for the head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

However, once a child reaches the height or weight limit for a rear-facing seat, they should switch to a forward-facing position. This transition should be made when the child has outgrown the manufacturer's height or weight limits for the rear-facing seat, which is usually around the age of two. It is important to refer to the car seat manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the safety of the child.

When using a forward-facing car seat, it is crucial to properly strap the child in, ensuring that the straps are not twisted or uneven. Additionally, the angle indicator should be within a safe range, and the strap fabric should be tight enough so that it cannot be pinched vertically. These measures help ensure the child's safety and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

In summary, children aged two to four in South Carolina must be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness in the rear seat of the vehicle. This is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of children, and proper installation and use of the car seat are crucial to provide optimal protection.

Children aged four to eight must use a booster seat

In South Carolina, children aged four to eight must use a booster seat. This is a requirement of the state's car seat laws, which are designed to protect children in the same way that seat belt laws protect older children and adults.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children use a booster seat until they are at least eight years old or until the seat belt fits correctly. This is because booster seats are designed to keep children within the vehicle and close to their original seating position, preventing contact with harmful interior surfaces or other occupants. They also provide "ride-down" by gradually decelerating the child as the vehicle absorbs energy from crash forces.

To ensure a proper fit, a child must meet the height and fit requirements for an adult safety seat belt. The lap belt must fit across the child's thighs and hips, not the abdomen, and the shoulder belt must cross the center of the child's chest, not the neck. The child should also be able to sit with their back straight against the vehicle seat back cushion and their knees bent over the vehicle's seat edge without slouching.

It is important to note that a booster seat must be used with both lap and shoulder belts. Using a booster seat with only a lap belt is insufficient and unsafe.

The South Carolina car seat law, S.C. Code § 56-5-6410, requires the driver of a motor vehicle to secure any children under eight years of age in an approved car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age and size. This law applies to all drivers in the state, including out-of-state drivers. Violation of this law can result in a fine.

Children must be in the back seat until they are 13

In South Carolina, children must be secured in a car or booster seat until they are eight years old. However, it is recommended that children sit in the back seat until they are 13 years old. This is because the back seat is the safest place for them to ride. They are better protected from head-on collisions, which constitute about 60% of all crashes. Additionally, they are not at risk of being injured by the passenger airbag, which is designed for adult protection in conjunction with a seat belt.

According to South Carolina law, children under two years old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Once the child turns two, they must be secured in a forward-facing car seat in the back seat until they exceed the height and weight requirements of the seat. After that, children must use a booster seat with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat until they are eight years old or 57 inches tall.

Safe Ride4Kids recommends that children ride in the back seat until they turn 13. The National Safety Council also recommends that children remain in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old and 4'9" tall. This is because passenger-side airbags are designed for adults and can cause severe or even fatal injuries to younger children.

It is crucial to follow these laws and recommendations to ensure the safety of all passengers, especially young ones. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and many children who are killed in crashes are not in the appropriate restraint system.

Children over eight must use an adult seat belt

In South Carolina, children over eight years old or at least 57 inches tall can use an adult seat belt if they can be properly secured. This means that the lap belt must fit across the child's thighs and hips, not their abdomen, and the shoulder belt must cross their chest, not their neck. Additionally, the child should be able to sit with their back straight against the vehicle's seat back cushion and their knees bent over the seat edge without slouching.

The transition from a booster seat to an adult seat belt is an important milestone for children and their parents. It is crucial to ensure that your child meets the height and fit requirements for an adult seat belt before making this transition. The height requirement is essential for the seat belt to fit correctly and provide optimal protection in the event of a crash.

South Carolina's laws regarding this transition are in line with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These guidelines prioritize the safety and well-being of children by ensuring they remain in booster seats until they are physically ready to use adult seat belts effectively.

It is worth noting that, even after a child starts using an adult seat belt, they should continue to ride in the rear seat until they turn 13 years old. This is because the back seat is generally safer for children in the event of a collision.

By adhering to these guidelines, parents and caregivers can ensure their children's safety while also complying with South Carolina's legal requirements.

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