Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of deaths of children over 6 months old in the United States. The proper use of child car seats is one of simplest and most effective methods for protecting the lives of our children in a motor vehicle crash. Only the correct use of child car seats will offer the protection that children need.

Here's a guide to Child Passenger Safety and Seat Belt Laws in New Jersey:

Children under age 2 and weight under 30 pounds:

Must be in an infant seat (car seat) that faces backward and also has a five-point harness. Car seat must in the back of the vehicle and never in front of an airbag.

Children ages 2, 3, and 4 and weight under 40 pounds:

Must be in a child safety seat (car seat) that has a five-point harness, either facing backward (up to the height and weight limits of the seat) or facing forward. Car seat must in the back of the vehicle and never in front of an airbag.

Children 7 and younger who are less than 57 inches tall (4’9”):

Must be in a child safety seat (car seat) that faces forward and has a five-point harness (up to the height and weight limits of the seat), or in a booster seat. Car seat or booster seat must in the back of the vehicle and never in front of an airbag.

Children age 8 and older, or a child taller than 56 inches:

Must use the vehicle seat belt. The safest place for children under 13 is in the back seat.

Sources: Governors Highway Safety Association and the Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety

Other Important Car Seat Safety Guidelines:

• Make sure that the child’s car seat has all of its parts, labels, and instructions and has never been in a crash.
• Follow the instructions for your car and car seat so that the child is buckled in tightly and correctly.
• Never leave a child alone in a car.

Learn How to Do Your Car Seat Checkup

REMEMBER: Everyone in the car, including adults, needs to buckle up on every ride using the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for each person’s age and size.

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Want your car seats checked by a professional?

Free car seat inspections are available via appointment during weekdays at the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, 701 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Contacts Sgt Allan McDemid at 732-745-3166 to schedule an appointment.

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Certified child passenger safety technicians will check and demonstrate how to properly install child and adult car seats.

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Contact us for more information:

732-745-3166

Allan.McDemid@co.middlesex.nj.us