Oregon’s car seat laws recently went through a few changes. But its primary purpose of protecting children during car rides is still intact, such as the fact that any child under sixteen years old needs to be properly secured in a child safety seat, safety belt, or child safety harness.
A study shows that car seats control the rate at which the child decelerates, allowing them to ride the crash safely in the event of a car accident. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our little ones and make sure they are protected at all times. Never underestimate how much a car seat can help prevent life-threatening injuries. As a mother of two children myself, I know and understand how important it is to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, especially out on the road.
The rules and regulations regarding car seat laws can be confusing and overwhelming. But don’t worry; that is what we are here for. Join us, and let’s take a thorough look at Oregon’s car seat laws to keep our children safe.
Infants and Toddlers Up to Two Years Old
A new law started in 2017 that changed the requirements in Oregon covering car seat laws for all infants under two years old. Under the new law, children under two years old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
That law applies regardless of how tall they are or how much they weigh. Previously, the car seat laws in Oregon had an age limit that let babies under two years of age but reached a particular weight ride in a front-facing car seat. However, since the law changed in 2017, all babies under two must now ride in a rear-facing car seat.
Other Additions to the Original Oregon Car Seat Laws
Also, Oregon’s new car seat law requires that children, regardless of their age or height, must ride as a passenger in a rear-facing, DOT-approved car seat if they are under twenty pounds. So, if your baby is older than two years old but still under twenty pounds, he must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
Furthermore, if your baby is under twenty pounds but over the age of two, he must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Only children older than two years of age and over the weight of twenty pounds can ride as passengers in a front-facing car seat.
Specific car seats are designed to be rear-facing, while others can adjust and comply with state regulations for both forward and rear-facing positions. As long as you have your adjustable car seat facing toward the back of the car, you will meet the legal requirement. You could also use a car seat specifically made for rear-facing positions to fulfill this obligation.
What are the weight requirements for Oregon Car Seat Laws?
When your child is two years old and weighs more than twenty pounds but less than forty pounds, you must place your toddler in a DOT-approved car seat that faces the front of the car.
Under the new Oregon state laws, any child, no matter their age, must be in the right car seat until they reach forty pounds. In addition, front-facing car seats can only be used for toddlers older than two years and weighing more than twenty pounds. However, these children cannot weigh more than forty pounds.
- Any child between three and seven years old who weighs less than forty pounds needs to be correctly secured in a child safety system. Depending on the age and weight of your child, you may be using either a rear-facing car seat or a front-facing car seat.
- Any child between three and seven years old who weighs less than forty pounds needs to be correctly secured in a child safety system. Depending on the age and weight of your child, you may be using either a rear-facing car seat or a front-facing car seat.
- Children that weigh forty pounds or less need to ride in an approved car seat for that age. If your child is between the ages of three and seven, weighs over forty pounds, and is up to 4’9″ tall, then you must use a child safety system designed for a child that is that height or shorter. If your child meets all three of these requirements, then you can use a front-facing car seat, a booster seat, or a safety seat with a harness. Whichever one you use will depend on your child’s size.
- If you decide to use a booster seat at this point, you’ll need to make sure that your booster seat also meets the new state laws. Booster seats are appropriate for children over forty pounds and under 4’9″ tall or eight years old.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Directions
On top of this, when using any car for children falling into this category, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly. To ensure the highest level of safety, you should properly install the car seat and check that all parts are firmly put in place.
So, you must make sure that you follow the directions provided by the manufacturer and correctly install the car seat into the vehicle. You must also correctly use the straps on your child. If you’re worried or unsure about those directions, seek help at your local police station or fire department.
What are the Oregon Booster Car Seats Laws?
The booster seat must either have a high back or allow the child to sit comfortably while he is strapped in using a traditional seat belt. Once your child reaches forty pounds, is over eight years old, or grows over the height of 4’9″, you can use a regular seat belt. However, once your child is ready for a regular seat belt, you should still keep him riding in the backseat at all times for your child’s safety.
So, your child will need to pass all three requirements, meaning those of age, weight, and height, to no longer use a car seat or booster seat. Also, if you use a booster seat, you need to ensure it’s utilized each time correctly. So, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s directions properly. Many of the children that died in Oregon car crashes were not restrained at all or improperly in their booster seats or car seats. So, ensuring this will help keep your child safe.
What are the Age Requirements for Oregon Car Seat Laws?
Children Eight to Fifteen and Over 4’9″ Tall
Children between the ages of fifteen and eight and those taller than 4’9″ need to be correctly secured using a safety belt or a safety harness.
The Law for Children Sixteen to Seventeen Years Old
Children sixteen or seventeen years old must also use a safety belt or safety harness.
Fines for Violating the Law
If you violate Oregon’s child car seat law, you’ll receive a fine for a Class D traffic infraction that totals $115.00.
Conclusion
The purpose of the Oregon Car Seat Laws is to help keep your child safe during road trips. Therefore, it is important to abide by these laws to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities and prevent any injuries in the event of an accident.
As parents, it will be our responsibility to make sure that we abide by the state laws. It’s important to check the car seats and ensure they adhere to all safety requirements to drive as safely as possible. Let us follow the rules and drive safely.
