New York State Car Seat Law

One of the first items we purchased for my daughter was a car seat. We installed it in our car before I was even close to giving birth. Why? I knew that when we left the hospital with our newborn, a car seat would have to be installed in our car. First of all, it's the safest way for an infant or young child to travel -- in my opinion it's the only safe way. Second, it's the law. When traveling in a motor vehicle on Long Island, all children under the age of four must be restrained in a child safety seat. This is stated in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 1229-c, which says:

"No person shall operate a motor vehicle in this state unless all back seat passengers of such vehicle under the age of four are restrained in a specially designed seat which meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. 571.213 and which is either permanently affixed or is affixed to such vehicle by a safety belt..." Effective March 27, 2005: all back seat passengers who are age four or older but under age seven must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system. A child older than four years of age and over four feet nine inches in height may be restrained by a safety belt.

Anyone caught violating this law is subject to a fine that can range from $25 to $100. According to Section 1229-c, the court will waive that fine if the individual provides proof that he or she has purchased a child restraint system after the violation occurred. This, however, can only be done once. The court will not waive fines for subsequent violations.

If you have a young child coming for a visit, you can rent a car seat from any business that rents out baby equipment such as cribs and high chairs. If you are a member of the Automobile Club of New York, you may be able to borrow a car seat from them. A limited number of seats are available. Call (516) 873-2364 to reserve one.