According to a study in 2017, of the 79 children who died in a motor vehicle in Missouri that year, 55 were not restrained by a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Needless to say: seatbelts save lives!
Make sure you and your little ones are buckled in safely and using a good car seat. We’ve got some info in this article to help you do just that.
Missouri Car Seat Law
Section 307.179. of Missouri law is about transporting children under sixteen years of age and restraint systems:
“Every driver transporting a child under the age of sixteen years shall be responsible, when transporting such child in a motor vehicle operated by that driver on the streets or highways of this state, for providing for the protection of such child.”
A fine of $50 and the court fee is the punishment for not abiding by this law.
Missouri Car Seat Requirements
Under the Missouri law, a child under the age of 4 must travel in a “child passenger restraint system”. Different car seats are made for children with different height and age. You can refer to the car seat manufacturer to figure out the best seat for your child. Usually, children under the age of 2 should use rear-facing car seats, and children under 4 should use forward-facing car seats.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Missouri
Missouri law makes it mandatory for children who are among the 4 to 7 age group, weigh less than 80 pounds, and shorter than 4 feet 9 inch to travel in child booster seats.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Missouri?
Many states require you to use back seats for your children for as long as possible. In Missouri, the law is not clear about the usage of front seat and back seat. Although it is not required by law, you should always try to use the back seat as it is safer.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Missouri
Leaving a child in a vehicle is a crime in Missouri if the child injures another person. It will become a class C felony if the injury proves to be fatal.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Missouri?
There are no laws in Missouri that would make smoking in the presence of child passenger a crime.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Missouri
Taxis are exempt from this law.
Missouri Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
Missouri has no laws regarding car seat replacement in case of an accident. It’s worth remembering that car seats have a self-life - a period of time after which seats are not safe to use. According to experts, this self-life is 6 years and seats should be replaced after that period. Car seats should be replaced in case of a moderate to a severe accident.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Missouri
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
Good Car Seat Videos for Missourian Parents
SCCAD Child Safety Seat Program
Child Passenger Safety - 5 Step Test
Car seat check: An easy guide
General Safety Tips for Car Seats
Boost ‘em in the Back Seat and Avoid Regret
Installing a Car Seat Properly
Infant car seat installation
Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt
Rear-Facing Convertible with Seat Belt
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
Counterfeit Car Seats
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Missouri
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
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