New York Car and Booster Seat Laws

Car and booster seats are essential safety equipment for young children riding in cars. Not only do you want to keep your child safe, but failing to follow the applicable New York car seat laws could lead to a traffic ticket or other consequences.

What Are Car Seat Laws?

Car seat laws in NY aim to protect the most vulnerable passengers. Car seats are designed to keep a child in place in the event of a crash or sudden braking. Car seat age and weight guidelines in NY follow the advice and guidance of pediatricians and car manufacturers’ research regarding the types and positioning of seats that provide the most protection in case of a crash.

New York Car and Booster Car Seat Laws

Here’s what state law and the New York DMV say about which car and booster seats children should use:

• Rear-facing car seat law in NY: Children under two must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
• Forward-facing seat requirements in New York: Children under four must ride in a forward-facing car seat or other child safety system.
• Booster seat age in NY: Children under seven must ride in a booster seat or other child restraint system.
• Back seat recommendation: Teenagers can ride in the front passenger seat, but doing so is often dangerous, so putting them in the back seat is better.
• New York State and NYC car seat laws: All child safety seats and restraints must meet federal safety standards.

It’s worth mentioning that these New York state car seat laws make allowances for a child’s height and weight. For example, a child who’s too big for a forward-facing car seat should use a booster seat, even if they’re not seven or older.

How Car Seat Compliance Impacts Injury Claims

Insurance companies are supposed to take car accident victims as they are, regardless of their injuries or how they occurred. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, particularly if a child sustains injuries in a collision and wasn’t using an appropriate safety system. In these situations, an insurance company might argue that the child’s parents are responsible for the child’s injuries, even if another driver caused the crash. This logic gives insurers a reason to deny claims or reduce people’s compensation, regardless of the crash facts or another driver’s careless actions. An experienced attorney can fight to protect your child’s rights.

How a New York Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or your child sustained injuries in a car accident – whether or not your child was using a car seat or booster seat – Attorney Scott Gottlieb can help you determine your next steps and seek fair compensation. With over 40 years of legal experience across New York, Attorney Gottlieb understands how devastating it is when your child is injured.

Attorney Gottlieb and his team can investigate every detail of the crash, including whether the other driver was negligent or if a defective seat or restraint played a role in the collision. He also works closely with medical experts to understand the full impact of your child’s injuries and fight for the compensation your family needs to cover medical bills, future care, pain and suffering, and any emotional trauma.

If your child wasn’t in a car seat or booster at the time, that doesn’t preclude you from recovering compensation, no matter what an insurance company says. Attorney Gottlieb can explain your rights and build a strong case to protect your child’s future.

Don’t let your or your child’s future suffer because of a car accident. Call the office of Scott Gottlieb today for a free consultation. You can also complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.