Oklahoma law requires drivers to secure children under eight years of age in a federally approved child passenger restraint system. This legal obligation applies when transporting children in a motor vehicle. A “child passenger restraint system” is a car seat or booster seat that meets the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The driver is legally responsible for providing and correctly using the appropriate restraint, with detailed rules for each phase of a child’s growth.
General Requirements for Child Safety Seats in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law requires drivers to secure children in a federally approved child passenger restraint system. This legal obligation applies to children under eight years of age when they are being transported in a motor vehicle. A “child passenger restraint system” is legally defined as a car seat or booster seat that meets the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The fundamental requirement is that any child within the specified age group must be properly secured in a system designed for their protection. This statute places the legal responsibility on the driver to provide and correctly use the appropriate restraint. The law is constructed to encompass the various stages of a child’s early development, with more detailed rules for each phase of growth.
Car Seat Stages Rear Facing Forward Facing and Booster Seats
Oklahoma’s child passenger safety laws provide a clear progression through different types of car seats as a child grows. For the earliest stage, the law mandates that all children under two years of age must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. This is required unless the child first exceeds the maximum height or weight limit for their specific rear-facing seat as determined by the seat’s manufacturer.
Once a child reaches at least two years of age or has outgrown their rear-facing seat by manufacturer limits, they must transition to a forward-facing seat with an internal harness. Children are required to remain in a forward-facing restraint system until they are at least four years old.
After outgrowing a forward-facing harness seat, a child must use a belt-positioning booster seat. Oklahoma law requires children who are at least four years old but younger than eight to be secured in a booster seat.1Justia. Oklahoma Statutes §47-11-1112 (2024) – Child passenger restraint system required for certain vehicles – Exemptions. This rule applies unless the child has already reached a height of 4 feet 9 inches. The purpose of the booster seat is to elevate the child so that the vehicle’s adult lap and shoulder belts fit properly across their body.
When Oklahoma Law Allows Children to Use Adult Seat Belts
A child is no longer legally required to use a booster seat once they are at least eight years of age or have reached a height of 4 feet 9 inches. Once a child meets either the age or height requirement, they may legally use a vehicle’s standard seat belt.
Consequences of Non-Compliance with Car Seat Laws
Drivers who fail to adhere to Oklahoma’s child passenger safety laws face a base fine of $50.00, plus associated court costs. For a first-time offense, the $50 fine can be suspended if the individual provides proof of acquiring a proper child passenger restraint system. In such cases, court costs are also capped at a maximum of $15.00. A violation of this statute does not result in the assessment of points against the driver’s license.
Legal Exemptions to Oklahoma’s Car Seat Mandates
Oklahoma statutes provide for specific situations where the standard car seat requirements do not apply. The law exempts drivers of certain vehicles, including:
- School buses
- Taxicabs
- Mopeds
- Motorcycles
- Ambulances or other emergency vehicles
- Motor vehicles not required by federal law to have seat belts
An exemption also exists for children who cannot be placed in a restraint system for medical reasons, which requires a written statement from a licensed physician. The statute also provides an exemption if all seat belts in the vehicle are already in use by other passengers.