Arkansas Car Seat & Booster Seat Laws: A Guide for Parents

Let’s start with the basics. Arkansas law requires all children under 15 years old to be properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. But what does “properly restrained” mean? It depends on your child’s age, height, and weight.

1. Here’s a breakdown of the legal requirements:
2. Infants and toddlers under two years old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
3. Children under five years old and weighing less than 60 pounds must be in a child safety seat.
4. Kids 5-8 years old and shorter than 4’9″ must use a booster seat.
5. Children 8 years and older or at least 4’9″ tall can use an adult seat belt.

Violating these regulations can result in fines of up to $100 for a first offense, while repeat offenders may face even steeper penalties.

It’s worth noting that Arkansas law states explicitly that “a child who is less than six (6) years of age and who weighs less than sixty pounds (60 lbs.) shall be restrained in a child passenger safety seat properly secured to the vehicle” (Arkansas Code § 27-34-104).

While following the letter of the law is crucial, many safety experts recommend going above and beyond these minimum requirements. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for instance, suggests keeping children in rear-facing seats until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer. This often extends well beyond the 2-year mark set by Arkansas law.

Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children use booster seats until they can fit properly in an adult seat belt. This means the lap belt lies across the upper thighs (not the stomach), and the shoulder belt lies across the chest (not the neck). For many kids, this doesn’t happen until they’re 8-12 years old.

Remember, these laws and recommendations aren’t about restricting your child—they’re about protecting them. Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the United States. Using the right car seat or booster seat can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash.

If you’re not sure you’ve installed your car seat correctly, help is available. Many organizations in Arkansas offer free car seat checks by certified technicians. These include:

• Local police and fire departments
• Hospitals and health clinics
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• Safe Kids Arkansas coalition events

During a car seat check, a trained professional will inspect your car seat’s installation, show you how to correct any errors, and answer any questions you might have. It’s a great opportunity to ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep your child safe on the road.

As you navigate the world of car seats and child passenger safety, you might have some questions. Here are answers to some common ones:

It’s a scenario no parent wants to imagine, but the reality is that car accidents happen. When used correctly, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. For older children, booster seats reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% compared to seat belts alone.

But beyond the immediate safety benefits, proper car seat use can also protect you legally. If you’re involved in an accident and your child is injured, not having them in an appropriate car seat could be seen as negligence. It could also affect your ability to claim compensation for their injuries.

Here’s how this could play out in different scenarios:

Understanding and following Arkansas’s car seat and booster seat laws is crucial for keeping your child safe on the road. But remember, these laws are just the minimum requirements. For maximum safety, consider following the more stringent recommendations of organizations like the AAP and NHTSA.