Children under Eight:
- Children under eight years of age must be secured in an approved child restraint system while travelling in a vehicle.
- The child restraint system must be appropriate for the child's age, weight, and height and must be properly installed and fastened according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Children Over Eight:
- Children who are eight years of age or older are permitted to sit in the front seat of a vehicle; however, they must still use a seat belt.
- The seat belt must be fastened securely and correctly across the child's lap and shoulder.
- The child should not be allowed to sit in the front seat if the vehicle's seat belt does not fit them correctly.
Exceptions to the Law:
There are a few exceptions to these rules, including:
- If a child has a medical condition that prevents them from using a child restraint system, a medical exemption may be issued by a physician or nurse practitioner.
- If the child is travelling in a taxi, limousine, or public bus, they may not be required to sit in a child restraint system but must use the seat belt if provided.
Note: It is always recommended that children under the age of thirteen sit in the back seat of a vehicle for optimal safety.