NJ Seat Belt Law Changes Go into Effect Today, Sept. 1

carseat2-01Following is a list of changes to the state’s seat belt law that go into effect today, Sept. 1. Fines range from $50 to $75 for not following the revised New Jersey law.

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 limited, 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 limited, they can switch over to a booster seat.

Ages 4 to 8

-Children under the age of 8 under the 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).

– The vehicle’s passenger-side airbag must be disabled if a rear-facing car seat is strapped into the front seat of the vehicle.

To schedule a car seat inspection, contact your local police department. Princeton residents should contact the Princeton Police Safe Neighborhood Bureau at (609) 921-2100 ext. 2121 or 1848.