People in New York understand the safety on the road as a study found that the seat belt compliance rate was at 93% in June 2018. However, it's not all good news; road accidents are still the most common cause of death for New York state's residents. This is preventable through a better understanding of traffic laws and following them.
New York Car Seat Law
New York State law requires all children to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until they are 8 years old.
New York Rear-facing Car Seat Law
The appropriate restrain system for children under 2 years old is the rear-facing car seat. According to the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, children can ride in the rear-facing for as long as possible but at least 2 years of age.
New York Forward-facing Car Seat Law
After reaching the upper limit of the rear-facing car seat, children can travel in a forward-facing seat. NY law doesn’t distinguish between rear-facing or forward-facing but instead, it’s your responsibility to understand the weight, height, and age limit of your seat. These information can be found on the car seat as well as the manual.
Child Booster Seat Laws in New York
A Booster seat will be used after the child has reached the forward-facing seat’s limits. Keep your child in a booster seat until the lap and shoulder belts fit properly, typically between 8 and 12 years old.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in New York?
According to the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee's website, all children under the age of 13 will travel in the backseat.
Leaving Child in Car Law in New York
New York has proposed a bill to make leaving children unattended in cars illegal, but so far there is no law regarding that.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in New York?
Bill S3155A makes it illegal to smoke in a car with a child passenger.
Taxi Car Seat Law in New York
All taxis are required to follow child restraint laws in New York.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in New York State
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
Good Car Seat Videos for New Yorker Parents
It's time we all get it right
Why Use Car Seats
Infant car seat installation
Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt
Rear-Facing Convertible with Seat Belt
How to Install a Car Seat
How to secure your car seat
Installing a Car Seat Properly
Use Car Seats and Avoid Regret
Using a Backless Booster Seat
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
Child Passenger Safety - 5 Step Test
Counterfeit Car Seats
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in New York
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.
I work in a hospital in NYS and would love to hand out a guide for new parents on car seat safety and laws. Do you have something printable for new parents? Thank you.
That’s a great question, Colleen. I don’t have anything available at the moment, but will put that on my (ever-growing) to-do list!