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Here's what the Alabama Child Restraint law says:


ALABAMA CHILD RESTRAINT LAW

SECTION 32-5-222 OF THE ALABAMA CODE

At least 1 yr or 20 lbs. - rear facing infant or rear facing convertible seat

At least 5 yrs or 40 lbs. – forward facing convertible or forward facing carseat

Until age 6 - booster seat

Until age 15 years - seat belt

$25 with no court costs.
(May differ locally)

One Point against license, two points per each repeat offense.

Charges dismissed upon proof of acquisition of seat.
(May differ locally)

 

A portion of the fine to be used to provide vouchers for child restraints to low income families.

Here's what's the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says:

Infants 

 

Infant seats and rear-facing convertible seats

 

Infants should ride rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. At a minimum, children should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their infant-only seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat.

 

 

Toddlers/preschoolers

 

Convertible seats and forward-facing seats with harnesses 

 

It is best for children to ride rear-facing as long as possible to the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer of their convertible seat. When they have outgrown the seat rear-facing, they should use a forward-facing seat with a full harness as long as they fit. 

 

 

School-aged children 

 




Booster seats 

 

 

 

Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. Children should stay in a booster seat until adult belts fit correctly (usually when a child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age).

 

 

Older children

 

Seat belts 

 

Children who have outgrown their booster seats should ride in a lap and shoulder seat belt in the back seat until 13 years of age.

 

For more information:
www.cpsalabama.org



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