Oklahoma Laws on Car Seats: All You Need to Know
Keeping your children safe in the car is a top priority. To make sure you are following Oklahoma law, it’s important to know what type of car seat is appropriate for each age and stage of your child’s development. Here’s a look at approved car seats for different age groups and their associated safety regulations.
What are Oklahoma’s Child Car Seat Laws?
In Oklahoma, it is required for children under the age of eight to use car safety seats or booster seats that fit their age and size. As your child grows and matures, you’ll be able to use a different type of seat until they can safely sit in the back seat using only a five-point harness. Oklahoma also requires all rear-facing car seats to be placed in the back seat of cars and trucks.
How Long Should a Child Stay in an Infant Car Seat?
Generally, a child should remain in an infant car seat (a seat with a five-point harness) until they reach the maximum height and weight limits stated by the manufacturer. Most seats are good for babies up to one year of age. Be sure to read your car seat instructions carefully and make sure that your infant meets the specifications listed before transitioning them out of an infant seat.
When Is It Time For a Convertible or Booster Seat? oklahoma law on car seats
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, it’s time to move up to a convertible or booster seat. Convertible car seats can be used in both the rear- and forward-facing positions, and are secured by a five-point harness until the child’s height and weight meet the specifications stated on the car seat label. From there, they can transition into a belt-positioning booster seat until they’re old enough to use just the regular seat belt. Be sure you’re always wearing your own seat belt as well — it’s illegal not to in Oklahoma!
What if I Have More than One Child in the Vehicle?
You must make sure that all children in your vehicle are using the proper safety seats while riding. If you have more than one child, consider using a car seat that allows multiple children to be attached to one base. Keep in mind however, that children should not be attached to more than one car seat at the same time. Additionally, it’s safest for small children to ride in rear-facing seats until they grow out of them — even if they have siblings who are forward-facing.
Tips for Installing and Using a Car Seat Properly.oklahoma law on car seats
When installing a car seat, make sure it is secured tightly to the vehicle. It should not move in any direction more than an inch once properly installed. Additionally, you should use the sensors, tethers, and anchors that came with your car’s seatbelt system, as well as top tethers for forward-facing seats. Furthermore, check that your child is properly buckled in their car seat at all times and follow age-appropriate instructions for when it is best to switch them from one car seat to another. oklahoma law on car seats
Oklahoma Car Seat Laws by Age
Oklahoma law requires that any child under the age of two must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat system when in a car. For children between two and four years old, they must either use a safety seat or belt-positioning booster seat appropriate for their weight and size. All children aged five and above must be secured by a regular seatbelt.oklahoma law on car seats
0-2 Years
According to Oklahoma law, all children up to the age of 2 are required to be securely strapped into a rear-facing car seat when inside or near a moving vehicle.