Did you know that in 2017 there was a car crash on the roads of Washington every 4 minutes! The same Department of Transport report states that one person died in a car accident every 20 hours in 2017.
That’s why it’s so important to follow car seat laws. We’ve got that covered for you on this page – along with some other helpful resources to keep your little ones safe in your car:
Washington Car Seat Law
Section 46.61.687 of Washington state law says:
“Whenever a child who is less than sixteen years of age is being transported in a motor vehicle that is in operation and that is required by RCW 46.37.510 to be equipped with a safety belt system in a passenger seating position, or is being transported in a neighborhood electric vehicle or medium-speed electric vehicle that is in operation, the driver of the vehicle shall keep the child properly restrained”
Washington Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Washington laws say that children under the age of 2 shall travel in the rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing seats must be federally approved and placed in the back of the car seat.
Washington Forward-facing Car Seat Law
After the child has reached the weight and height limit of rear-facing car seats, they should be moved to the forward-facing car seat and will keep using it until they are comfortable in it and reach the height and weight limit.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Washington
When they are shorter than 4’9” and at least 8 years old, children are required to use booster seats. They can stop using the seat when the seat belt of the car fits them securely.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Washington?
Under the Washington law, all children under 13 are required to sit in the back seat.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Washington
Children under 16 can’t be left alone in a vehicle alone, according to Washington law.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Washington?
There are currently no laws in Washington regarding smoking with children in the car.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Washington
Washington law is not clear whether taxis are required to follow these laws.
Washington Law Car Seat – Replacement After Accident
almost every organization that deal with child safety recommend that you replace your car seat.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Washington
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
- Find a car seat checkup location nearest you
- Seattle’s Children Car Seat Checks
- Washington State Booster Seat Coalition Stations
- CPS Technician Search: Find a CPS Technician
- NHTSA car seat inspection Center
- Safe Kids Washington Stations
- District Department of Transportation Free Car Seat Inspection Stations
- City of Bothell Car seat Inspections
- Providence Health & Services Car Seat Safety Check
- Snohomish County Child Car Seat Checkups by Appointment
Good Car Seat Videos for Washingtonian Parents
Car Seat Guidelines for Your Child
Washington updates car-seat law to boost child protection
The Michele and Brooke Ice Story
Car Seat save lives
Child Passenger Safety – 5 Step Test
The Inch Test
It’s time we all get it right
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
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
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Washington State
- UW School of Medicine News Release
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center
- Seattle Children’s Passenger Safety
- Kaiser Permanente health Comprehensive Guide
- Grant County Health District Child Passenger Safety
- Why Car Seats Matter
- Booster Seat Guide
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Child Passenger Safety
- Ultimate car Seat guide
- American Automobile Association Car Seat Guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Recommendations
- NHTSA Car Seat Recommendations
- Indiana University School of Medicine Best Practice Recommendations
- Booster Seat Installation Checklist
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