Oklahoma’s car seat laws aim to protect children from severe injury or death in vehicle accidents. Parents and caregivers must understand these rules to ensure compliance and safety. Not following these laws can result in legal penalties and endanger child passengers. This guide explains Oklahoma’s car seat requirements.
Requirements by Seat Type
Oklahoma’s child passenger safety laws require different car seats depending on a child’s age, weight, and height.1Justia US Law. Oklahoma Statutes §47-11-1112 (2024) – Child Passenger Restraint System Required for Certain Vehicles – Exemptions It’s important to follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use, including all height and weight limits. This section details the requirements for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats.
Rear-Facing
Oklahoma law requires children under two years old to be in a rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a young child’s head, neck, and spine. Safety experts recommend keeping children rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for their seat, which may be beyond their second birthday.
Forward-Facing
Children at least two years old who have outgrown their rear-facing car seat can move to a forward-facing car seat with an internal harness. Oklahoma law mandates that children aged two to under four years use a child passenger restraint system, usually a forward-facing seat. The harness helps distribute crash forces. Children should use this seat until they reach its maximum height or weight limit, often up to 65 pounds or more.
Booster
When a child outgrows their forward-facing car seat’s harness, they should use a booster seat. Oklahoma law requires children aged four to under eight, and shorter than four feet nine inches, to use a booster seat. Booster seats position the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts correctly over the child. Children use a booster seat until they are at least eight years old or four feet nine inches tall and can pass the five-step test for proper seat belt fit without a booster. This test includes ensuring:
- The child can sit all the way back against the vehicle seat.
- Their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat.
- The lap belt naturally sits on the upper thighs.
- The shoulder belt naturally sits on the center of the shoulder and chest.
- They can remain seated like this for the entire trip.
Vehicle Seat Position Rules
Oklahoma’s child safety laws also consider where a child sits in the vehicle. While the law doesn’t mandate a specific seat, safety recommendations offer guidance.
Airbags are a key factor for seat position. While Oklahoma law doesn’t forbid children from riding in the front seat if properly restrained, safety organizations strongly advise that all children under 13 ride in the back seat, as it is safer.2National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seat Recommendations for Children by Age and Size If a rear-facing seat must be in the front (for example, in a vehicle with no back seat), the passenger-side airbag must be turned off.
The center rear seat is often recommended for a car seat if a secure installation is possible, as it provides the most distance from potential impact points in a side collision. However, a secure car seat fit is most important. A correctly installed car seat on either side of the rear seat is safer than an improperly installed one in the center. Always check the vehicle owner’s manual and car seat instructions for the best placement.
Penalties for Violations
Following Oklahoma’s child passenger safety laws protects children and helps avoid legal issues. Violations can lead to financial penalties and other court-ordered actions.
Drivers violating Oklahoma’s Child Passenger Restraint Act (Title 47, Section 11-1112) face a $50.00 fine plus court costs for a first offense if a child isn’t properly secured.3Oklahoma State Legislature. Oklahoma Statutes Title 47 §11-1112 – Child Passenger Restraint System The driver is always responsible. Courts might also require violators to complete a child passenger safety course. Not paying fines or following court orders can result in more legal trouble.
Exemptions Under the Statute
Oklahoma’s child passenger safety laws have specific exemptions where standard car seat rules do not apply.
Medical exemptions include situations where a child is receiving emergency medical care during transport by a medical professional. A child is also exempt if they have a written medical statement from a doctor explaining why they cannot use a standard car seat; this statement must be kept in the vehicle.
Exemptions also cover certain vehicles. The rules do not apply to children in school buses (designed for ten or more passengers), taxis or other chauffeured vehicles for hire, and emergency vehicles during an emergency. For taxis, it’s still recommended to use your own car seat if possible.
An exemption applies if all belted seating positions in a vehicle are occupied. In this case, a driver is not penalized if a child who normally needs a car seat or booster isn’t in one, provided they are using an available seat belt if possible.