Did you know that New Hampshire has a lower seat belt usage average than any other state, and 907 people died in car accidents in 2017 - which was the 9th highest in the United States?
The best way to protect yourself and your children on the road is to use restraint – seat belt restraints!
We’ve got some information on this page to help you do just that…
New Hampshire Infant Car Seat Law
New Hampshire law requires all children under the age of seven should be secured in a federally approved restraint system. It is prescribed by the experts that children from birth to 12-month age should travel in infant-only seats.
New Hampshire Rear-facing Car Seat Law
As the New Hampshire law requires a proper restraint system, a rear-facing seat is a good choice for children who are 12-months to 2 years of age. However, the best practice is to keep the child rear-facing as long as possible; it is safest for them.
New Hampshire Forward-facing Car Seat Law
You can consult the seat manufacturer to figure out if you need to eliminate the use of the rear-facing seat and replace it with the forward-facing seat. Forward-facing seat is usually used for children who are 2 to 6 years old.
Child Booster Seat Laws in New Hampshire
Booster seats are used when the child has outgrown the safety limits of the forward-facing child seat. Booster seats are required up to the age of 7 years unless the child has reached at least 57” tall. The best practice is to also look at the size of your child. You could have a 7-year-old who is tall, but extremely lightweight. You want to pay attention to where the seat belt is laying on the child. Again you should take into consideration child and seat.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in New Hampshire?
There are no laws in New Hampshire for front seat. The AAP recommends that all children under the age of 13 should travel in the back seat. Airbags can prove fatal for the child; the back seat is the safest option for children.
Leaving Child in Car Law in New Hampshire
No law exists in New Hampshire regarding leaving children unattended in a vehicle. The NH statute 639:3 Endangering the Welfare of a Child could and has often been applied, depending on the circumstances. The language of this law doesn’t specifically mention children unattended in cars, but it could realistically be applied.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is trying to make it illegal through bill HB 230 (2019) to smoke if there is a passenger under the age of 16 in a vehicle.
Taxi Car Seat Law in New Hampshire
Taxis are not required to follow child restraint laws in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
There is no law in New Hampshire that will force you to buy a new car seat in case of an accident. However, we should remember that using a car seat that has been in a major crash is highly dangerous. Insurance companies should be replacing car seats when you get in a car accident. Tip: make sure the police officer is writing down what brand, serial number, and where the seat was located.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in New Hampshire
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
Good Car Seat Videos for New Hampshirite Parents
Why Car Seats
5 Step Test to Make Sure Car Seat is Safe
The Inch Test
Infant car seat installation
Car seat check: An easy guide
Child Passenger Safety - Booster Seats
Child Passenger Safety - Harness Fit
Counterfeit Car Seats
Safe Rides
Resources for More Info on New Hampshire Car Seat Safety
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!
To contact me directly please click here.
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