FAQ: Seat Belts

Kids are ready for a seat belt when they pass this 6-step test:

1. They are at least 57 inches tall.
2. They can sit with their legs bent over the edge of the seat with their feet on the floor.
3. They can sit with their back and bottom against the vehicle seat.
4. The shoulder belt lays across their shoulder and collarbone, not on their neck.
5. The lap belt fits across their hip bones, not on their stomach or legs.
6. They can stay seated this way the whole time they're in the car.

Seat belts are made for adults. Your child's booster seat ensures their seat belt fits them properly, so wait until they can wear an adult seat belt correctly before making the switch.

Make sure your child is always using both the lap and shoulder belt. Kids are known to pull down the shoulder belt or tuck it behind their back for comfort, but this is not a safe way to ride. The shoulder belt should always lie across their chest and shoulders, and the lap belt should always lie across their hip bones.

Each state has its own law for when kids can sit in the front. However, we recommend keeping kids in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old. At this age, most children have reached the appropriate size to ride in the front. But no matter their age, the back seat is always the safest place for kids to be in the car.

If your child has an injury or is showing signs of illness, call your doctor or visit an urgent care center. If your child has a life-threatening injury or illness, is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, call 911 and/or visit an emergency department immediately.