As a New Yorker, sometimes I find it difficult to cope with the changing car seat laws of different states. If we are traveling to another state, it is important for us to memorize all the safety car seat laws for better protection of our children.
Among all the places I went to, I found New Jersey Car Seat Law most practical and safe for both parents and children. They have specified protocols and age, weight, and height limits, which ensure 100% safety of the child during travel.
If you are looking for details about NJ car seat laws, you have come to the right place. Let’s find out the latest NJ car seat law in 2023.
Browse this Post
- 1 Car Seat Laws New Jersey
- 2 Importance of Seat Belt Usage According To Car Seat Laws New Jersey
- 3 Penalties For Not Using Car Seats in New Jersey
- 4 What are New Jersey Child Safety Seat Laws in a Car that is Equipped with Airbags?
- 5 What are the Taxi Car Seat Laws in New Jersey?
- 6 What is the Car Seat Replacement Law in New Jersey?
- 7 Final Word
Car Seat Laws New Jersey
The traffic security officials in New Jersey impose maximum importance on child safety during travel. It is such a huge responsibility that most parents are advised to install an infant car seat for their baby three weeks before the delivery.
However, before you invest in a baby car seat, it is important to know which one to choose for your baby according to their age, weight, and height.
1. Rear Facing Car Seat Law New Jersey
Rear-facing car seats are used for babies from birth till they are 2 years old. The weight limit of the rear-facing car seat, according to the NJ car seat law, is below 30 pounds.
This means you have to buy an all-in-one or a rear-facing car seat for your newborn baby. If there are no major accidents or no problem with the car seat, you can use it for two years or until they are 30 pounds.
2. Forward Facing Car Seat Law New Jersey
According to the New Jersey car seat law, a forward-facing car seat is mandatory for children from 2+ years old till they are 4 years old or below 40 pounds. After your baby reaches the 2-year-old mark and weight limit, you can shift them to a forward-facing car seat.
3. Booster Car Seat Law New Jersey
New Jersey car seat law requires children to use a booster seat from age 4+ years to 8 years old or 57 inches tall or until they fit properly in a regular car seat. When your baby outgrows the front-facing car seat, yet they are too young for a regular car seat, the booster seat joins the family.
Importance of Seat Belt Usage According To Car Seat Laws New Jersey
Research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that more than 15,000 lives are saved each year by the use of seat belts.
It is no rocket science that everyone should use a seat belt regardless of the age, weight, and height of an individual. As responsible adults, ensuring the safety of our children is our foremost duty.
When you are using a car seat (rear, forward, or booster) for your baby, make sure it has a five-point safety harness and is of high quality. Never forget to buckle them properly, adjusting the harness according to your baby’s body.
After your baby reaches the 8-year-old mark or grows 57 inches tall, you can use the regular car seat belt, ensuring it fits your baby accurately.
Penalties For Not Using Car Seats in New Jersey
New Jersey Traffic Control has moderate to severe penalties for traffic rules violators. Although it will not take you to jail, an accident can scar you and your family forever.
So, instead of keeping records of the penalties you might or might not face, ensure your children’s safety for the sake of their lives. However, let’s discuss possible penalties for not using car seats in New Jersey.
i. Fines
New Jersey traffic officials used to charge around 10 to 25 USD for violating car seat law. However, according to the new laws, from September 2023, the fine is going up to 50 to 75 USD.
It will also increase your insurance premiums, and the insurance companies may also refuse to help you in case you get into trouble.
ii. Points on Driving Record
Depending on the severity and continuation of your violation, New Jersey traffic police will add demerit points to your driver’s record. However, it is not applicable for first-timers. Adding too many demerit points can result in the suspension of your driving license.
iii. Child Protective Service Involvement
Child Protective Services will not involve themselves until there is a risk of something bad happening. If it was a one-time incident or there was no major risk to the child, CPS is less likely to get involved in the matter.
However, with high-risk cases, CPS will provide you with proper training on the importance of child safety and may also take action depending on further incidents.
What are New Jersey Child Safety Seat Laws in a Car that is Equipped with Airbags?
According to the CDC, children under the age of 12 should not be allowed to sit in the front passenger seat as these seats are often equipped with airbags.
However, if your vehicle does not have rear seats, e.g., you drive a sports car or mini truck., you must first disable the front seat airbag. After that, you can let your baby sit in the front seat, even with a rear-facing car seat, front-facing car seat, and booster seat.
Although airbags are considered life-saving for adults, their force, when deployed, can injure a baby’s delicate body.
What are the Taxi Car Seat Laws in New Jersey?
If you are traveling in a taxi or any other public vehicle in New Jersey, you do not need to use a child car seat. Sit with your baby on your lap on the rear seat and hold your baby securely, either front or back facing.
What is the Car Seat Replacement Law in New Jersey?
New Jersey state traffic law does not have a fixed car seat replacement law for their citizens. However, in incidents like reaching the expiration date of your car seat, recently facing an accident, your child outgrew the seat, or facing installation issues, it is recommended to change your car seat immediately.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in New Jersey?
Although not declared by New Jersey law, the CDC advised not to let children under 12 sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
What are the Laws for Leaving a Child in a Car in New Jersey?
It is not safe to leave children in a car alone, no matter from whichever state you belong. Make sure your child is accompanied by a guardian, an elder sibling (at least 12 years old), or a parent when left in the car alone.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in New Jersey?
There is no specific law for it in New Jersey, but many states have announced it is illegal and an inhuman act to smoke in a confined space with a child. We should never practice such activities with children.
What Are Upcoming Changes To New Jersey Car Seat Law?
As of September 2023, there are no upcoming changes to the New Jersey car seat law.
Final Word
Rules, regulations, and laws have been established for the safety of the state’s citizens. As responsible adults, it is our duty to do the right thing for our children to set a good example for our future generation.
It does not require a lot of time, effort, and money to follow these safety measurements, but the result we get from it is immense.
I hope my guide to New Jersey car seat law has enlightened you for your upcoming endeavors. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
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My name is Olivia Brown, and I’m a New York-based blogger and stay-at-home parent. Former business executive enjoying retirement and time with kids Lily and Max. On my blog, I review things for kids and offer my honest thoughts and insights to other parents who may be having the same or similar experiences.
