West Virginia is no different from other states when it comes to traffic accidents and fatalities. According to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, 1,892 people lost their lives in car accidents from 2006-2010.
Keep your little ones safe while driving! We’ve got some important info on this page to help you do just that:
West Virginia Car Seat Law
In West Virginia Chapter 17c. Traffic Regulations and Laws of The Road deal with child passenger safety. §17C-15-46 of this law states that
every driver who transports a child under the age of eight years […] provide for the protection of the child by properly placing, maintaining and securing the child in a child passenger safety device system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
West Virginia Car Seat Requirements
The law in West Virginia does not mention the age and weight requirements for different seats. According to the law, the child has to be restrained in a child passenger safety device system that is appropriate for the age. There is no hard number to figure out which seat is required for a particular child. You need to refer to car seat instructions to understand the age and weight requirements for each seat.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in West Virginia?
There is no age mentioned in the West Virginia law when your child can sit in the front seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently updated its recommendations and according to them, your child should sit in the back seat until they are 13.
Leaving Child in Car Law in West Virginia
There are currently no laws in West Virginia about leaving children in the car alone.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in West Virginia?
West Virginia has currently no laws regarding smoking but there is a proposed bill that would make it illegal.
Taxi Car Seat Law in West Virginia
West Virginia’s child restraint law doesn’t mention whether taxis are exempt from these laws.
Washington Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
There are no laws about the replacement of car seats after accidents. Outside of the law, there are many resources available for guidance in case of an accident. A general rule is if your car has been in a minor accident – an accident after which that vehicle could be driven away – then you don’t need to replace your car seat.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in West Virginia
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
Good Car Seat Videos for West Virginian Parents
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
How to secure your car seat
Is it time to move from a booster to a seat belt?
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
Counterfeit Car Seats
Select the Right Car Seat
Children Should Ride in the Back Seat
Car Seat Guidelines for Your Child
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in West 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!
To contact me directly please click here.
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