Child Car Seat Laws in Pennsylvania

Here at Carmody and Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know that your child’s safety is your number one priority. Our Pittsburgh accident lawyers have seen firsthand how properly using a car seat can prevent your child from suffering serious injuries in an accident. Pennsylvania has laws that protect children on the road, and staying informed about these regulations can make all the difference in keeping your child safe. Today, we’ll cover Pennsylvania’s updated car seat laws and explain how parents can make sure their children are properly secured during every car ride.

Child safety by the numbers

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that:

Most crash deaths occur among children traveling as passenger vehicle occupants, and proper restraint use can reduce these fatalities. Restraining children in rear seats instead of front seats reduces fatal injury risk by about three-quarters for children up to age 3, and almost half for children ages 4 to 8.

They further note:

It is recommended that children 12 and younger ride in the rear seats of vehicles. Fourteen percent of the passenger vehicle child occupant deaths in 2022 occurred in front seats, down from 46% in 1975, while 75% were in the rear, and the rest occurred in cargo or unknown areas.

PA.gov also reports that 83% of children under age four in Pennsylvania sustained no injury during a crash where they were restrained in a car seat.

Pennsylvania’s car seat regulations

Pennsylvania law requires children to be secured in an appropriate car seat based on their age, weight, and height. This law was updated in early 2024 to reflect the latest safety recommendations. Here’s what you need to know.

Infants and toddlers (birth to age 2)

Children under age two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height and weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a child’s developing head, neck, and spine during a car accident.

Ages 2 to 4

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, they should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness. This seat should remain forward-facing until the child reaches the manufacturer’s weight and height limits.

Ages 4 to 8

When your child outgrows the forward-facing seat, they need to transition to a booster seat. Pennsylvania law requires that children stay in a booster seat until they’re at least eight years old.

Ages 8 to 18

After turning eight, children can use the vehicle’s seat belt as long as it fits properly. They must continue to wear a seat belt at all times until they reach the age of 18.

Violating child car seat laws can result in a fine of $75 per offense. However, the real penalty is the potential risk to your child’s safety.

2024 updates to Pennsylvania’s car seat laws

Pennsylvania lawmakers revised child passenger safety laws in 2024 to reflect best practices recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The biggest update was the emphasis on keeping children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible. Instead of switching to a forward-facing seat at age two, parents should follow the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum height and weight.

Further,  the law encourages children to remain in booster seats until they properly fit in a seat belt. Lawmakers made this change because many children don’t reach the necessary height and weight to use a seat belt safely by the age of eight. Experts recommend that children remain in booster seats until they’re at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Why are these laws so important?

As we stated earlier, car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for children. The NHTSA reports that of the 42,514 traffic fatalities in 2022 in the United States, 1,129 (3%) were children 14 and younger. Among these, many involved children who were either improperly restrained or not restrained at all.

The NHTSA also reports that proper use of car seats reduces the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Booster seats also reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% for children aged four to eight.

Choosing the right car seat for your child

Here’s a simple breakdown of choosing the right car seat for your child.

• Rear-facing car seats are best for infants and young toddlers. They provide optimal head and neck protection in a crash.
• Forward-facing car seats are equipped with a harness to keep a child safely restrained.
• Booster seats position the seat belt correctly across your child’s body.
• Once the child is big enough, they can transition to using the car’s seat belt.

You should always refer to your car seat’s manual for the manufacturer’s weight and height limits before transitioning your child to the next stage.

What common mistakes do parents make with car seats?

Remember, even the best and most expensive car seat won’t protect your child if it’s not used correctly. Some common mistakes parents make include:

• Many car seats aren’t installed and fastened correctly. Make sure the seat doesn’t move more than an inch when tugged at the base.
• The straps and harness should fit snugly. A loose strap won’t provide proper protection in a crash.
• The chest clip should be at armpit level, not too low or too high.
• It’s safest to keep your child in the correct car seat for as long as possible.
• Car seats have expiration dates – typically six to 10 years from the manufacture date.

What are some car seat safety tips for parents?

Here are some additional tips to keep your child safe on the road.

• Have your car seat checked. Many police departments offer free car seat inspections.
• Register your car seat. This will notify you of any recalls.
• Avoid bulky clothing. Thick coats can prevent harnesses from fitting securely.
• Keep in mind that the back seat is the safest place for children under the age of 13.

What should I do if my child and I are involved in a Pittsburgh car accident?

If you’re involved in a car accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention, even if your child appears uninjured. It’s important to remember that some injuries may not be immediately visible. Once you’ve addressed any medical concerns, take the following steps:

• Replace the car seat. Car seats should always be replaced after a moderate or severe car accident.
• Take photos and get witness statements if you can.
• If another driver was at fault, our Pittsburgh accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for medical bills and other damages.

How can your Pittsburg accident lawyers help?

At Carmody and Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand the impact a car accident can have on your family. If your child has been injured in a car crash due to another driver’s negligence, we’re here to help. We can assist with investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and seeking compensation for your medical bills and emotional distress.

You don’t have to face this situation alone. If your child has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Call Carmody and Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers, today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight to get you the compensation you deserve while you focus on what matters most — your child’s recovery. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation today.