Motor vehicle accidents are some of the leading causes of death in children. According to the CDC, over 600 child passengers under 12 years old were killed in 2020, and more than 63,000 were injured.
Furthermore, research shows that car seats and booster seats are often installed and used incorrectly, which increases a child’s risk of being injured or killed in an accident. An estimated 46% of car seats are used incorrectly, and those numbers are even higher when booster seats are excluded.
Research from the CDC shows that using a car seat correctly can reduce injury for children by 71–82%, and booster seat usage can reduce risk by 45%.
Currently, all states have car seat laws to reduce the risk of child passenger injury and death. However, the specific laws in each state can vary. As such, it’s important for parents and guardians to fully understand these laws to keep their children safe.
If you and your child are injured in an accident in Kentucky and need help with your claim, the team at McCoy & Sparks can assist you. We understand how important your child’s health and safety are and are here to help.
What Are the Car Seat Laws in Kentucky?
According to Kentucky Legislation KRS 189.125 (3)(a):
Children less than 40 inches must be properly installed in a car seat.
Of course, this law is fairly vague and refers to the general use of car seats for children. More specific information can be found on the Kentucky State Police website and is as follows:
For Rear-Facing Seats:
Rear-facing car seats should be used in the back seat for infants until they reach one year of age or 20 lbs.
For Forward-Facing Seats:
Forward-facing seats are best for toddlers and should be used in the back seat from age one to around age four. Or between 20 to 40 lbs.
For Booster Seats:
Booster seats are best for older children in the back seat from age four to around age eight or from 40 lbs until age eight.
For Safety Belts:
Children can stop using a booster seat once they are eight years old or taller than 4’9’’.
Other Frequently Asked Kentucky Car Seat Law Questions
The Kentucky Department of Transportation offers additional safety information and guidelines for car seat usage to further ensure the safety of child passengers in Kentucky. Some of the frequently asked questions they respond to include the following:
1. When to Face Front in a Car Seat
A child must be kept rear-facing to a minimum of one year of age and 20 pounds, with best practice being two years of age and 30 pounds. When using a convertible seat, it is best to keep the child rear-facing until the maximum rear-facing weight limit.
2. How Long Are Car Seats Good For?
If the seat is older than six years or has exceeded the manufacturer’s expiration date, it must be replaced. If the seat has been involved in a crash, it should be replaced.
3. When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat?
It is best for children ages 12 and under to always ride in the back seat.
4. How Tight Should the Car Seat Be in the Vehicle?
The seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or back and forth when pulling at the belt path.
5. Where Can I Get My Car Seat Checked?
Contact SAFE KIDS Fayette County for sites in Lexington or SAFE KIDS Louisville for sites in Louisville and Shelbyville.
You can also contact your local fire station, police department, health department, or other safety-related agency and ask if they have a certified child passenger safety technician on staff.
You may also visit: https://cert.safekids.org/ and click on “Find A Tech.”
What are the Fines & Penalties for Kentucky Car Seat Law Violations?
Currently, the fine for a car seat or booster seat violation is minimal.
If you are caught violating the Kentucky car seat laws, you could face a fine of $50 for a first violation and $30 for a booster seat violation. There is nothing that states what the fines or penalties might be if you continue to violate the law and are caught more than once.
Still, it is advised that you follow the law from the start, not only to avoid penalties but to keep your child safe.
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Central Kentucky
If your child is injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for their injuries and other damages. You might also be able to receive reimbursement for a new car seat if your original car seat is damaged in the accident — call your insurance company to check.
If you need help filing your claim and dealing with insurance, our team of Kentucky car accident lawyers can help. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Make the right call to (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.