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New Hampshire Car Seat Laws

New Hampshire car seat laws are in place to protect children while riding in motor vehicles. According to the law, all children under the age of 18 who are passengers in a motor vehicle must be secured by either a seat belt or a child safety seat. Additionally, any child under the age of seven must be secured by an approved child restraint.

The state’s booster seat guidelines state that any child under six years of age must be secured by a federally approved child restraint. While there is no law in New Hampshire on when kids can ride in the front seat, many car manufacturers specify that kids should not ride in the front until age 13. The driver is liable for any passenger seatbelt or child restraint violation, and children under seven years old must be properly secured in a child restraint system.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to understand the car seat laws in New Hampshire to ensure the safety of their children while traveling. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to New Hampshire car seat laws, including the age and weight requirements for child restraints, booster seat guidelines, and penalties for non-compliance.

State Car Seat Laws: At a Glance

New Hampshire has strict laws regarding child passenger safety. According to the DMV, children under 18 years of age who are riding as passengers must be secured by either a seat belt or child safety seat. Additionally, children under six years of age must be secured by a federally approved child restraint.

The Attorney General of New Hampshire states that any child under the age of seven must be secured by an approved child restraint, while all passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear seat belts or be secured in an appropriate restraint system. The type of seat belt or restraint required will vary based on the child’s height, weight, and age.

Effective January 1, 2014, all children under age 7 or 57 inches (whichever is reached first) must use a properly fastened and secured child safety seat, according to Dartmouth Health Children’s. Children under age 18 must be properly restrained in a motor vehicle including a car, pickup truck, or SUV.

New Hampshire does not currently specify how long children must be rear-facing, but a new law will take effect in 2024 requiring children to remain rear-facing until at least 2 years old, according to Travel Car Seat Mom. Parents are also required to follow the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer of their specific car seat.

In summary, New Hampshire’s car seat laws require that all children under 18 years of age who are riding as passengers must be secured by either a seat belt or child safety seat. Children under six years of age must be secured by a federally approved child restraint, while children under age 7 or 57 inches must use a properly fastened and secured child safety seat. Effective 2024, children must remain rear-facing until at least 2 years old.

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Age and Weight Requirements

New Hampshire has strict laws regarding children’s safety in vehicles. All children under the age of 18 must be properly restrained in a motor vehicle, including a car, pickup truck, or SUV. The type of seatbelt or restraint required will vary based on the child’s height, weight, and age.

Children under the age of 7 who are less than 4’9″ must be properly secured in a child safety passenger system approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is made for their age, height, and weight. Parents should follow the guidelines provided by the child passenger restraint system before securing their child.

For infants, New Hampshire law requires that children under the age of one and weighing less than 20 pounds should be placed in a rear-facing infant car seat. Once the child outgrows the infant car seat, they should be placed in a rear-facing convertible car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat.

Children over the age of two or who have outgrown their convertible car seat should be placed in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat. Once the child outgrows the forward-facing car seat, they should be secured in a booster seat until they are at least seven years old or until they reach the height or weight requirements of the seatbelt.

It is important to note that the law requires that children under the age of 18 must be properly restrained in a motor vehicle, including a car, pickup truck, or SUV. Parents should also be aware that the law requires that all children under the age of 7 or 57 inches (whichever is reached first) must use a properly fastened and secured child safety seat.

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State Car Seat Laws: Forward Facing

In New Hampshire, the law does not specify a minimum age for forward-facing car seats. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer. After that, they can be placed in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

The forward-facing car seat should be installed in the back seat of the vehicle, and the harness should be snug against the child’s body. The harness should be positioned at or above the child’s shoulders and the chest clip should be at armpit level.

It’s important to note that the forward-facing car seat should only be used once the child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat. Children who are not yet ready for a forward-facing car seat should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, all children under the age of 7 and under 57 inches tall must be secured in a car seat or booster seat. The type of car seat required will vary based on the child’s height, weight, and age.

Parents and caregivers should always refer to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and the state’s car seat laws to ensure that their child is properly restrained while riding in a motor vehicle.

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State Car Seat Laws: Rear-Facing

New Hampshire law requires all children under the age of six to ride in a restraint system, which includes a rear-facing car seat. According to RSA 265:107-a, children under two years of age or weighing less than 30 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their convertible car seat, which for some kids will be age 3 or 4.

Rear-facing car seats are designed to protect children’s heads, necks, and spines in the event of a crash. They distribute the force of the impact over the entire back of the seat, reducing the risk of injury. Children’s bones, muscles, and ligaments are still developing, and their heads are proportionally larger than those of adults, making them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. That’s why it’s crucial to keep them in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible.

It’s important to note that New Hampshire law requires all children under 18 years of age who are riding as passengers to be secured by either a seat belt or child safety seat. The type of seatbelt or restraint required will vary based on the child’s height, weight, and age.

Parents and caregivers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a rear-facing car seat. They should also make sure that the car seat is properly secured in the vehicle and that the child is correctly strapped into the seat. It’s also important to check the car seat’s expiration date and replace it if it’s past its expiration date or has been in a crash.

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Booster Car Seat Laws

Booster seats are required for children in New Hampshire until they reach a certain age, weight, and height. This section will cover the age and weight requirements for booster seats in New Hampshire.

Booster Seat Age Requirements

Children must ride in a booster seat until they reach 7 years old. After that, they can use a seat belt if it fits them properly. It is important to note that children should not use a seat belt alone until they are big enough for it to fit correctly.

Booster Seat Weight Requirements

Booster seats are required for children who weigh less than 80 pounds. However, if a child reaches 57 inches (4’9″) before they reach 80 pounds, they can switch to using a seat belt.

It is important to choose the right booster seat for your child’s weight and height. Booster seats come in different sizes and styles, so make sure to choose one that fits your child properly. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

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State Car Seat Laws for Ubers

New Hampshire state law requires that any child under the age of 18 riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle be secured by either a seat belt or a child safety seat. This law applies to all vehicles, including Ubers, taxis, and buses.

When it comes to Ubers, the company does not provide car seats for passengers. However, passengers are allowed to bring their own car seats and install them in the vehicle. It is important to note that the car seat must be installed correctly and securely in order to ensure the safety of the child.

In addition, New Hampshire law requires that any child under the age of 7 and under 57″ (4’9″) tall be secured in a car seat or booster seat. The law does not specify the type of car seat by age, but the state provides recommendations for child safety.

For parents traveling with young children in Ubers, it is important to plan ahead and bring a car seat with them. It is also recommended to call the Uber driver in advance to let them know that a car seat will be brought along. This allows the driver to prepare the vehicle for the car seat installation and ensure that there is enough space in the vehicle.

Overall, it is important to follow New Hampshire state law when traveling with children in Ubers. This includes bringing a car seat for children under the age of 7 and ensuring that it is installed correctly in the vehicle.

State Car Seat Laws by Age

When it comes to child safety in cars, it is essential to understand the car seat laws in your state. In New Hampshire, child passenger safety laws require that all children under the age of 18 be secured by either a seat belt or a child safety seat. Below are the state car seat laws by age.

State Car Seat Laws for Infants

According to New Hampshire law, infants must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. It is recommended that infants remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible.

State Car Seat Laws for Toddlers

Toddlers must be secured in a forward-facing car seat until they are at least five years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once a child outgrows a forward-facing car seat, they can move to a booster seat.

State Car Seat Laws for 6 Year Olds

Children who are six years old or older but younger than eight years old must be secured in a booster seat until they are at least 57 inches tall. Once a child reaches the height requirement, they can use a seat belt without a booster seat.

State Car Seat Laws for 8 Year Olds

Children who are eight years old or older but younger than 18 years old must wear a seat belt when riding in a car.

State Car Seat Laws for 10 Year Olds

Although New Hampshire law does not specifically require children over the age of eight to use a booster seat, it is recommended that children continue to use a booster seat until they are at least 10 years old or until they are able to properly fit in a seat belt.

It is important to note that car seat laws are minimum requirements, and it is always best to follow the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines. Also, parents and caregivers should ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the child is properly secured before each car ride.

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

New Hampshire takes child safety very seriously, and as such, there are penalties for non-compliance with the state’s car seat laws. If a driver is found to be in violation of the law, they will be fined.

The first offense carries a $50 fine, while the second offense carries a $100 fine. It is important to note that the driver of the vehicle is liable for any passenger seatbelt or child restraint violation.

If a police officer pulls over a driver and finds that a child is not properly secured in a car seat, they will issue a citation. The driver will then be required to pay the fine.

It is crucial that drivers understand the importance of properly securing children in car seats. While the fines may seem minor, the safety of children is paramount.

In addition to the fines, drivers should also consider the potential consequences of not properly securing their child. In the event of an accident, an improperly secured child is at a much higher risk of injury or death.

To avoid any unnecessary fines and ensure the safety of their child, drivers should follow New Hampshire’s car seat laws completely. It is recommended that drivers familiarize themselves with the types of car seats available and choose the appropriate one based on their child’s age and size.

Safety Recommendations

When it comes to child passenger safety, following the recommended guidelines and laws is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide safety recommendations for parents and caregivers to ensure children are properly secured in their car seats.

The AAP recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer. Once a child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. After that, they should use a booster seat until they are big enough to use a seat belt properly without a booster seat.

The NHTSA also provides guidelines for car seat safety, including proper installation and usage. They recommend that parents and caregivers follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for installation and usage, as well as the vehicle owner’s manual for guidance on where to install the car seat in the vehicle.

In addition to following safety guidelines, choosing the right car seat is also important. The AAP recommends that parents choose a car seat based on their child’s age and size, as well as the car seat’s fit in their vehicle. They also recommend choosing a car seat with a five-point harness for optimal safety.

To ensure the safety of children in car seats, the AAP and the NHTSA recommend that parents and caregivers register their car seat with the manufacturer to receive important safety updates and recalls.

Overall, following safety recommendations and laws, choosing the right car seat, and properly installing and using the car seat can help ensure the safety of children in vehicles.

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State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

In New Hampshire, the Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for enforcing the state’s car seat laws. These laws are outlined in RSA 265:107-a, which states that all children under 18 years of age must be properly restrained while traveling in a motor vehicle.

The law requires that children under the age of 7 and under 4’9″ tall must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system. Additionally, children between the ages of 7 and 17 must use a seat belt while riding in a motor vehicle. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties.

The DMV provides a comprehensive guide to car seat safety on their website, which includes information on choosing the right car seat, installation tips, and frequently asked questions. They also offer free car seat inspections to ensure that parents and caregivers are properly using and installing their car seats.

It is important to note that New Hampshire’s car seat laws are subject to change. It is recommended that parents and caregivers stay up to date with the latest laws and regulations to ensure the safety of their children.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about New Hampshire car seat laws:

What are the New Hampshire car seat laws?

New Hampshire car seat law requires that a child younger than 18 years of age who is riding as a passenger be secured by either a seat belt or child safety seat. Children under age 7 or 57 inches (whichever is reached first) must use a properly fastened and secured child safety seat. Children under age 18 must be properly restrained in a motor vehicle including a car, pickup truck or SUV.

What is the penalty for violating New Hampshire car seat laws?

The penalty for violating New Hampshire car seat laws is a fine of $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. However, the fine can be waived if the driver provides proof of purchase of an appropriate child restraint system within 14 days of the violation.

When can a child move from a car seat to a booster seat?

Children should ride in a car seat with a harness as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once a child outgrows the car seat, they can move to a booster seat. New Hampshire booster seat laws require that children ages 7 to 12 who are under 57 inches tall use a booster seat.

What is the difference between a car seat and a booster seat?

A car seat is a seat designed to protect a child in a car in the event of a crash. It is designed to be used with a harness to hold the child in place and help distribute the force of a crash over the strongest parts of the child’s body. A booster seat, on the other hand, is designed to raise a child up so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly. Booster seats help position the seat belt so that it fits across the child’s lap and chest, rather than their stomach and neck.

Are adults required to wear seat belts in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is the only state that does not have a seat belt law for adults. However, adults are still highly encouraged to wear one. Wearing a seat belt reduces the chances of getting seriously injured or dying in a car crash.

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The author: Jose Martinez

Hi there! My name is Jose, and I’m a proud dad to a beautiful 4 year old. As a parent, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of parenting and child-rearing. There are so many choices to make, from the foods we feed our little ones to the toys we buy them to the clothes they wear. But one thing that’s always been important to me is finding the best products available for my child.

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