New York State law requires that all children under the age of 4 ride in child safety seats and all children ride in child restraint systems until their 8th birthday.

Safety seats and child restraint systems must be certified according to Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard 213. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the seat or system, and make sure you install and use the seat or system correctly.

Child safety restraint systems should not be used in the front seat of the vehicle. Child passengers should ride in the back seat.

 

The law requires children under the age of four to be restrained in a federally approved car seat when riding in a motor vehicle [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law].

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If the weight of a child under the age of 4 exceeds 40 pounds, the child may be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system, allowing the child to use a booster seat. Children ages 4, 5, 6 and 7 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system, one for which your child meets the weight and height recommendations of the child restraint manufacturer. [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law] A child safety seat or harness/vest or booster seat may be used. Note: As of November 24, 2009, this requirement applies to all children until their 8th birthday.

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The vehicle's safety belts are not defined as a child restraint system under this law, as safety belts are not designed for children under 4 feet, 9 inches and therefore, do not protect young children.