10In Missouri, drivers are responsible for making sure their child passengers are properly secured with appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts for their age, weight, and height. Engaging in child passenger safety in Missouri not only keeps drivers on the right side of the law but also protects children in the event of a car accident.
If you were in a car crash with a child passenger, and it was not your fault, contact Sumner Law Group, LLC, for a free consultation. Our firm takes injury cases seriously, especially when they involve children. We’ll review your case, explain your options for seeking compensation, and answer any questions you have about the legal process.
What Are Missouri’s Car Seat Laws?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car seats reduce the risk of injury to children by up to 82 percent, and booster seats reduce the risk of injury by 45 percent.
Because of the effectiveness of child safety seats, Missouri’s vehicle restraint laws require children to use appropriate car and booster seats:
- Car seats – A car seat is a portable seat for young children that can be secured within a vehicle. It typically has a five-point harness to keep the child secure and padded protection on the sides. Infant car seats typically face backward to protect the child’s neck and spine in case of an accident.
- Booster seats – A booster seat provides less protection than a car seat and is meant for older or larger children. It raises the child so the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly over their body. Seat belts should cross a passenger’s lap and chest, not their abdomen, face, or neck.
Age and Weight Requirements for Car Seats in Missouri
Car seat requirements in Missouri are based on a child’s age and weight. Children in Missouri must use a car seat if either is true:
- They are less than 4 years old.
- They weigh less than 40 pounds.
A child who is 4 or older but still weighs less than 40 pounds must use a car seat. Likewise, a child who weighs 40 or more pounds but is less than 4 years old must use a car seat. Children cannot transition to a booster seat until they meet both the age and weight requirements.
The car seat requirements also specify that children must use a car seat that is appropriate for them. Typically, that means babies and infants should use a rear-facing car seat, and children using car seats should fit securely within them.
When Should Your Child Transition to a Booster Seat?
Once your child is at least 4 years old and weighs at least 40 pounds, they can transition from a car seat to a booster seat. According to Missouri booster seat law, children who meet the following criteria must use a car or booster seat:
- They are at least 4 but less than 8 years old.
- They weigh at least 40 but less than 80 pounds.
- They are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
If your child meets any of the criteria above, they must use a car or booster seat. The addition of a height requirement is because, unlike car seats, booster seats rely on the vehicle’s seat belts to secure children. A child under 4 feet 9 inches is not tall enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.
Penalties for Failing to Follow Missouri’s Car Seat Laws
Penalties for car seat violations include a fine of up to $50 and court costs. This offense counts as an infraction, which is the lowest offense level. However, it’s essential for parents and guardians to adhere to Missouri’s height and weight limits for car seats when transporting children because of the safety benefits.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances for Child Restraint Laws
Under certain circumstances, there are exceptions to Missouri’s child restraint laws. These circumstances include:
- When a child is 4 years or older and is a passenger on a school bus.
- When a child is a passenger in a public carrier for hire, such as public transportation, a taxi, or a rideshare vehicle.
- When a child should be in a booster seat, but the car does not have the correct type of seat belt to use with one.
- When an immediate family member transports a child, and there are not enough car or booster seats for all the children in the car.
Should You Replace a Child’s Car Seat After a Crash?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you should replace your child’s car seat after a moderate or severe crash. A moderate or severe crash is one in which any of the following is true:
- You cannot drive your vehicle away from the accident site.
- The vehicle door near the car seat was damaged.
- A passenger in your vehicle sustained injuries.
- Your vehicle’s airbags deployed.
- There is visible damage to the car seat.
If a car seat goes through a moderate or severe crash, it may not provide the same protection it once did. A damaged seat is more likely to fail in a second accident. However, the same does not necessarily apply to booster seats since their role is simply to raise children so they can use the vehicle’s seat belts.
How Our Attorneys Help Families Involved in Car Accidents
Were you in a car accident while your child was in the vehicle? You can seek compensation for their injuries through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our attorneys help families involved in car accidents by:
- Investigating the accident to identify all liable parties
- Gathering supporting evidence
- Calculating your damages
- Filing your lawsuit within the five-year deadline set by Missouri’s personal injury statute of limitations
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a settlement that covers your expenses
- Representing you at trial and seeking the maximum compensation if the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement
Contact Sumner Law Group, LLC, today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Missouri car accident attorney. During your initial consultation, we’ll review the accident details and advise you about the best course of action for seeking the maximum compensation you deserve.
