Every state across the country recognizes the need to increase safety standards for children inside vehicles, and Georgia is no exception. Child passenger safety laws in Georgia are meant to provide protection to innocent children when placed in them. Following these laws is not only good for children, but it also minimizes the risk of not facing fines and other penalties under the law.
Knowing these laws is a good place to start, and a Newnan car accident lawyer can help you with your case. Failure to remain compliant with child car seat laws in Georgia could result in a citation and fine for parents and guardians, not to mention the safety risks associated with failing to properly secure a child.
Georgia Car Seat Laws Explained
Under Georgia’s car seat laws, the following rules apply in most situations:
- A child under the age of 1 and less than 20 pounds: This child must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- A child under the age of 1 who weighs between 21 and 40 pounds: This child must also be in a rear-facing car seat.
- A child between the ages of 1 and 4 years old and weighs under 20 pounds: This child must remain in a rear-facing car set until they weigh over 20 pounds
- A child 1 year of age or older who weighs between 21 and 40 pounds: The child must be in a car seat. It can be a rear-facing or a forward-facing car seat appropriate for the child’s height and weight.
- A child between 1 and 7 years old weighing over 40 pounds but under 4’9″ inches: The child must be in a forward-facing car seat or a booster seat while also wearing a lap and shoulder belt
- A child who is 8 years or older and 4′ 9″ or taller: A car seat belt must be worn
Penalties for Non-Compliance in Georgia
If a parent violates these laws, it can result in a fine of up to $50. It also adds a point to their driver’s license. This applies per child, meaning if there is more than one child requiring a car seat or restraint, not in one, the parent or driver pays $50 and gets 1 point for each child. For example, if three children are improperly secured, this results in a $150 fine and three points against the parent’s license. Additionally, if this happens a second time, then the court can double the fines and points applicable.
Because Georgia has a primary seatbelt law, officers can stop and cite drivers solely for car seat violations, even if no other traffic offenses occur.
Injuries Related to Improper Restraints
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600 children aged 12 and younger die in vehicle accidents each year, and over 91,000 suffer injuries. Tragically, 38% of the children who died were not properly restrained. Vehicle accidents can disproportionately affect children if they are not in the right car seat or booster seat.
Common injuries include:
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Contusions and bruising
Other Child Passenger Safety Considerations in Georgia
Beyond car seats and booster seats, parents and guardians should keep these safety practices in mind:
- Seat belt use. Children aged 8 to 17 must wear a seat belt regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.
- Front airbags. Airbags can be dangerous to young children. If they must sit in the front seat, ensure their seat is as far back as possible to minimize the impact of an airbag.
- Vehicle temperatures. Never leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked, due to the risk of heatstroke.
Ensuring Proper Installation and Resources in Georgia
When selecting a car seat for your child, verify that the seat is the proper size for the child. Most car seats have specific weight and height restrictions. If the seat is not properly sized, it may not provide the desired protection for the child. If you are unsure of the product’s restrictions, contact the manufacturer to gain more insight.
More so, be sure you install it correctly. If you are unsure how to do so, many local fire departments or police departments will help you install a car seat in the city in which you live. Some cities also have programs designed to support new parents in learning about these laws and programs.
Finally, know where you are buying your car seat from. It is not uncommon for car seat recalls to occur, meaning there is evidence the seat does not provide the necessary protection the child needs. You should always buy a new car seat with a manufacturer warranty when possible or verify it was not recalled before purchasing it otherwise.
Georgia child passenger safety laws are meant to protect children. Parents and others who drive a vehicle with a child in them must meet these laws to avoid fines and other punishments that could stem from not doing so.
Parents must ensure that a car seat is correctly installed to be effective. An improperly installed car seat may not protect the child in the event of a collision. Parents can find resources on proper car seat installation and other child safety practices at Safe Kids Georgia and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.