Keeping children safe in the car is one of the most important responsibilities any parent has. Car accidents remain a leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 13 and, according to the CDC, roughly 35 percent of children killed in those crashes were not properly buckled up. Oklahoma takes child passenger safety seriously, which is only reinforced by the state’s car seat laws, which set clear requirements based on a child’s age and size.
Learning what the law requires at each stage can help you avoid fines and penalties. However, much more importantly, it can protect your child in the event of a collision.
Car Seat Requirements by Age in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s child passenger restraint law is found in Title 47, § 11-1112 of the Oklahoma Statutes. It applies to every driver transporting a child under 8 years of age on any roadway in the state. The requirements break down into the following stages:
- Children under 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat. They should remain rear-facing until they reach the manufacturer’s height or weight limit for the seat.
- Children ages 2 through 3 must be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a built-in harness.
- Children ages 4 through 7 must use a booster seat unless they are already taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
- Children 8 and older, or those who have reached 4 feet 9 inches, may ride using a standard seat belt.
Each stage is designed to match the child’s physical development. Rushing to move a child into the next stage before they are ready can leave them more vulnerable during a crash.
What Are the Penalties for Violating Oklahoma’s Car Seat Law?
Compared to some other states, Oklahoma’s penalties for car seat violations are relatively modest. A driver who fails to properly restrain a child faces a fine of $50 plus court costs. For a first offense, the fine may be suspended and court costs capped at $15 if the driver shows proof that they have since purchased or borrowed a proper car seat.
Fortunately, no points are added to your driving record for a car seat violation in Oklahoma. However, the financial penalty is far less significant than the safety risk. A child who is not properly secured is far more likely to suffer serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe
Following the law is the baseline, but there are additional steps you can take to give your child the best possible protection on the road:
- Always install the car seat in the back seat. Oklahoma does not require it by law, but the NHTSA strongly recommends that all children 12 and under ride in the rear.
- Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag. The force of deployment can cause severe injury to a small child.
- Check the manufacturer’s height and weight limits on your car seat regularly. Children grow quickly, and an outgrown seat offers less protection.
- Have your car seat inspected by a certified technician. Free inspections are available through county health departments across Oklahoma.
Taking these extra precautions goes a long way toward keeping your child safe every time you get behind the wheel.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma After a Crash
If your child was injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. Contact Gorospe Law Group today to get started with a free consultation at (918) 965-0208. Our car accident lawyers are passionate about our work and operate on contingency, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if you win compensation.