Changes to Washington State Car Seat Laws

Have You Made The Udjustments?

As of January 1st, 2020, Washington State made some crucial changes to the child safety seat requirements and laws. Making sure to follow these laws will reduce the chances of severe injury or death of a child and you from a hefty fine. Target Zero's website states "Your child's safety in the car requires the right seat, used the right way, every time." Are you aware, even, if you are from Idaho and coming into Washington, these new laws apply to you too?

What's New?

The laws now state that a child under the age of 2 has to be appropriately secured in a rear-facing car seat.

Also,according to new law, chilren ages two to four must ride in a seat with a harness (rear or front-facing).

As well, children over 4 have to be in a booster seat or chair until they reach the height of 4' 9".

Finally, the changes specify that children over the height of 4' 9" must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt and ride in the back seat until the age of 13, when practical to do so.

Safety on the roads and in our vehicles should take top priority to save lives. Especially where children are involved, please remember to ensure that all passengers are properly secured before departure. If you travel with a child under 16 years of age, you can get a $124 ticket for not having them correctly seated and secured within a moving vehicle. Always double check to be sure you are ready for travel to avoid fines or even more traumatic scenarios. 

Need more information or have questions go to https://wadrivetozero.com/car-seats/ for a more detailed break down of the new 2020 Wahington State car seat laws.