According to the State of Virginia, 843 people lost their lives in car accidents 2017, and out of those 308 people were “unrestrained”.
Virginia has laws in place to keep you and your little ones safe on the road. And we have that important information (and more) on this page:
Virginia Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Children under the age of 2 will travel in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the height and weight limit set by the seat manufacturer.
Virginia Forward-facing Car Seat Law
By law, children are required to travel in a forward-facing car seat when they reach the weight and height limit of the rear-facing car seat. These limits are put in place by car seat manufacturers.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Virginia
All children under the age of 8 must travel in a child restraint system, according to Virginia law. When the child outgrows the forward-facing seat, they must be gradated to the booster seat. Again, in law, there is no age when you can eliminate the use of the forward-facing seat. You have to refer to seat manual.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Virginia?
According to law, your child can sit in the front seat after they are 8 years old, given, they are using a seat belt. Virginia law also says you can’t put a rear-facing car seat in the front. If the car has no back seat or it is unavailable, you have to deactivate the airbags.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Virginia
There are currently no laws in Virginia regarding leaving children in the vehicle unattended.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Virginia?
It is illegal to smoke in a car with a minor present.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Virginia
Virginia is one of those states where taxis are exempt from child restraint laws.
Virginia Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
According to the Virginia law, if your car is in a major crash, and it is not possible to drive it away from the accident, then you have to replace the car seat. Of course, you don’t have to be a lawmaker to realize this. Car seats are not indestructible and their structural safety can get compromised with a crash.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Virginia
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
Good Car Seat Videos for Virginian Parents
Child Passenger Safety Booster Seat - Kansas
What to Do - Booster Seat PSA
Do I have to? - Booster Seat PSA
Counterfeit Car Seats
Safe Rides
Child Passenger Safety - Booster Seats
Child Passenger Safety - Harness Fit
Select the Right Car Seat
Children Should Ride in the Back Seat
Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt
Rear-Facing Convertible with Seat Belt
High-Back Booster Seat
Using a Backless Booster Seat
Installing a Car Seat Properly
Boost ‘em in the Back Seat and Avoid Regret
Infant car seat installation
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Virginia
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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