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SUBJECT: (RSA
265:107-a) Child Passenger Restraints Required
During the 2003 session, the New Hampshire Legislature amended the state's
primary child passenger safety law (RSA 265:107-a) which requires seat belt
use for all vehicle occupants up to the age of 18 years. However, effective
January 1, 2004, this amendment increases the age at which children
"shall be properly fastened and secured by a car seat or booster which
is in accordance with the safety standards approved by the United States
Department of Transportation" from up to 4 years to up to the age of 6
years and is less then 55 inches in height (whichever is reached first). Since this is a primary law, police
officers can stop any driver under the age of 18 who is not wearing a seat
belt or any driver transporting children who are not properly restrained in
accordance with the law.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xxi/265/265-107-a.htm
IT IS ALSO STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED THAT:
- Children who weigh less than 20 pounds or are
less than one year old need to be in a rear facing infant
or toddler seat not in front of an air bag.
- Children who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and
are less than 42 inches tall need to be in a toddler seat every time they ride in a
car.
- Children who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds
(about 42 to 55 inches tall) need to be in a booster seat every time they ride in a
car.
- Children who weigh more than
80 pounds and are over 55 inches tall need to be in an adult seat belt every time they ride in a
car.
Passage of this law
is a giant step forward in preventing not only deaths and injuries to
children involved in crashes, but also in limiting the severity of injuries.
The town of Hancock
also has child seats for free available to a town resident who may need one.
Remember,
seat belts are recommended for everyone!
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