Did you know that in 2015, 5,291 children were involved in fatal crashes in the USA, and 18% of them were unrestrained? Your children are dependent on you for providing safety on the road. Please follow state laws to ensure your child’s safety.
Massachusetts Car Seat Law
Laws in Massachusetts require every child under the age of 8 traveling in a child restraint system. According to the Section 7AA:
“A passenger in a motor vehicle on anyway who is under the age of 8 shall be fastened and secured by a child passenger restraint, unless such passenger measures more than 57 inches in height. The child passenger restraint shall be properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions.” (Source)
Not following the child restraint law in Massachusetts is punishable by $25.
Massachusetts Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Massachusetts law requires you to use a proper child restraint system for children age 8 and younger. A rear-facing seat should be used until age 2. The best way to figure out when to use the rear-facing child seat is by following the manufacturer's recommendations which you can find on the car seat or the manual.
Massachusetts forward-facing Car Seat Law
When a child outgrows the rear-facing car seat’s height and weight limit prescribed by the seat manufacturer, they can graduate to a forward-facing seat.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Massachusetts
After the child has outgrown the forward-facing car seat, you can start using the booster seat. According to the law, you will be using the booster seat until the child is 57 inches tall.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Massachusetts?
Although no age is mentioned in the law, the Massachusetts government recommends that your child use front seat after they have turned 13.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Massachusetts
The law is not very clear about leaving children in the car. 606 CMR 7.13(3)(j) is for daycare providers and it says “a child must never be left unattended in a vehicle” (Source) It is not clear if the law applies to private vehicles too.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is trying to make it a criminal act to smoke in a car with child passenger. As for now, it is not illegal.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Massachusetts
Child restraint laws do not apply to taxi drivers in Massachusetts.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Massachusetts
Good Car Seat Videos for Bay Stater Parents
Car Seats Save Lives
Child Seats – MA Highway Safety
How to secure your car seat
How to Install a Car Seat
Car seat check: An easy guide
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
General Safety Tips for Car Seats
Installing a Car Seat Properly
Infant car seat installation
