Full Notification

Changes in the New Jersey Seatbelt Law go into effect today. The following lists the changes:

Infant to age 2:
• Car seats must remain rear-faced in the vehicle if the child is under 30 lbs. and under the age of 2. The car seat also has to have a five-point harness.
• Once the child has exceeded the weight and age limit, the car seat can be faced forward.

Ages 2 to 4:
• Children under the age of 4 or under 40 lbs. must remain in either a rear-facing or a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness in the back seat of a vehicle.
• Once the child has exceeded the weight or age limit, they can switch over to a booster seat.

Ages 4 to 8:
• Children under the age of 8 or height requirement of 57 inches tall must remain in the back of the vehicle in a booster seat.
• Once the child has exceeded the weight and height limit they are eligible to use a regular seat belt.

When can my child sit in the front seat?
• A child can sit in the front seat of a vehicle if that vehicle does not have a back seat - such as a pick-up truck or a sports car. However, the car seat and booster seat regulations still apply (i.e. Car seats must remain rear-faced in the vehicle if the child is under 30 lbs. and under the age of 2).
• Also, the vehicle’s passenger-side airbag must be disabled if a rear-facing car seat is strapped into the front seat of the vehicle.

What if I don’t comply with the law?
• Those who don’t follow the new laws will face fines ranging from $50 to $75 beginning on September 1st. Before the revisions, the fines were $40 to $50.