Child Car Seat Laws in Kentucky

Child car seat laws in Kentucky aim to reduce the risk of serious harm to a child who may be too small to be properly secured in a traditional safety belt.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or another party, transporting a child in accordance with these laws is critical to minimizing any risk to them.

Failure to meet these goals can lead to serious consequences. Not only can a child suffer serious injury in the event of a car accident, but there are often fines and legal actions the court can take against the party driving the child.

A Lexington car accident lawyer can assist in filing a claim if your child is injured in a crash.

Key Child Car Accident Laws in Kentucky You Need to Know

There are numerous specific car seat laws in Kentucky that may apply to your situation. These laws govern all vehicles. Even if the child is not your own, if you are behind the wheel, it is your responsibility to meet these laws.

Key factors to know include:

• All children who are under 40 inches in height must be in an appropriate car seat and properly installed in the vehicle.
• A child that is under the age of 8 and between 40 and 57 inches in height must be in a properly sized and secured booster seat.
• Children under the age of 8 but taller than 57 inches do not need to ride in a booster seat.
• A child must be kept rear-facing in the vehicle until the child is at least 1 year old and 20 pounds. However, the court recommends 2 years of age and 30 pounds as a better standard.
• If the child is in a convertible car seat, they should be kept rear-facing until they are no longer at the maximum weight limit listed by the manufacturer.
• The child must remain in a five-point harness car seat until they reach the age of 4 years old or weigh at least 40 pounds.

If a child is not in the proper car seat for their weight and age or it is not installed properly in the vehicle, it creates a potential risk to the child’s health and safety.

What Happens If a Child Is Not in a Car Seat?

In situations where law enforcement pulls a person over, and a child who seems to fit the above requirements to be seated in a car seat is not, the driver could face the consequences. The officer will check for the required safety systems to determine if the child is secured and if not, they can issue a ticket.

If your child has outgrown the car seat requirements but requires a booster seat, but you do not have that child in a booster seat, you could face a $30 fine under the state’s laws. You could face more significant fines if the child is younger and not in a proper car seat.

How Does a Child Not In a Car Seat Impact Car Accident Claims

If a child is legally required to be in a car seat and is not, that could contribute to negligence on behalf of the parent. That means it could reduce the compensation paid to you.

Set up a free consultation with Gary C. Johnson Attorneys at Law, P.S.C., to discuss your case. Learn more about child car seat laws in Kentucky and how they impact your rights and financial obligations.