Kentucky Car Seat Laws - Updated & Simplified
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Kentucky Car Seat Laws
The State of Kentucky Car Seat Laws (KY Statute 189.125)
What do the child passenger restraint system laws in Kentucky say?
- Any driver in the State of Kentucky transporting a child measuring 40 inches in height or less shall have such child properly secured in the appropriate child restraint system that meets federal standards.
- A child under 8 years and is measuring 40 inches in height shall be secured in a child booster seat.
- A child measuring more than 57 inches in height ‘may not be secured in a booster seat.
More on the Law
- A violation of the law attracts a fine of $50 for a child restraint system and $30 for a booster seat.
Kentucky Infant Car Seat Laws Rear Facing
The State of Kentucky car seat laws do not specify on the type of car seat on either rear-facing or forward-facing but mention using an “appropriate child restraint system.”
However, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants and toddlers under 2 years of age are to ride rear-facing for as long as possible (to an upper limit of years).
Therefore, a child under 2 years must be properly secured in a rear-facing infant car seat in Kentucky.
Also, note that a rear-facing infant car seat must never be installed in the front passenger seat with an activated airbag.
The safest spot to install a car seat is the middle back seat, away from the side windows.
Kentucky State Car Seat Laws Forward Facing
The State of Kentucky car seat laws does not also mention the forward-facing car seat. By an ‘appropriate child restraint system,’ the forward-facing car seat will be the right car seat.
A forward-facing car seat is to be introduced when a child outgrows the height and weight limit for the rear-facing infant seat.
A child is to remain in a forward-facing car seat until they outgrow the height and weight limits set by the manufacturer.
A convertible car seat can be used in a rear-facing position and later converted to forward-facing. This will be a good option when considering a car seat to buy during pregnancy. Here’s a guide on how to choose a convertible car seat.
Kentucky Booster Seat Laws
The State of Kentucky requires that a child under 8 years and 40 inches in height rides in a booster seat.
On the other hand, the law also says a child measuring more than 57 inches ‘may not’ ride in a booster seat.
However, when a child outgrows the forward-facing weight and height limit according to the manufacturer, you are to transition your child to a booster seat.
A booster seat is recommended for children 8-12 years of age until they are big enough to fit properly in a vehicle seat belt.
Kentucky Seat Belt Laws
The State of Kentucky does not mention seat belts for children.
However, when a child is grown enough, between 8-12 years, to fit well in a seat belt, they may now use the safety belt.
Other Car Seat Laws You Need to Know About in Kentucky
The State of Kentucky Car Seat Laws for Other Passengers in a Car
The driver and all other vehicle occupants except children, who should be secured in a restraint system, must use a safety seat belt.
A written statement from a physician, advanced registered nurse, or a licensed chiropractor stating medical or physical reasons why a passenger may not use a seat belt is exempted from using a seat safety belt.
Kentucky Car Seat Laws Front Seat – Can A Child Sit in The Front Seat?
Kentucky car seat laws do not specify on car seat positions.
This would mean a child may sit in any seat position in a vehicle in Kentucky, but that isn’t the best national recommended practice.
A child under 13 years is not to ride in the front passenger seat. Such child under 13 is to ride in the back seat with the seat belt fastened correctly or in a child restraint system.
Kentucky Car Seat Laws for Ubers, Taxis, or Cabs
Kentucky car seat laws explicitly mention “any driver of a motor vehicle.”
This implies that taxicabs are not exempted from the car seat laws.
Therefore, as a parent or legal guardian of a child, you should ensure that you use the appropriate car seat when boarding a taxi, cab, or Uber in Kentucky.
When boarding a taxi or Uber, you may need to install your infant car seat without the base. This resource will guide you in installing your infant seat without base.
Can You Leave a Child Alone in a Vehicle in Kentucky?
The State of Kentucky does not permit a person to leave a child unattended in a vehicle and can be charged with manslaughter in the second degree if it leads to the death of the child.
According to the Kentucky General Assembly, it is unlawful to leave a child under 8 years in a car under extreme circumstances that can lead to the death of such child.
When a child dies due to being left in a car, such a parent or guardian is charged with second-degree manslaughter, which is a Class C felony.
A Class C felony in Kentucky carries penalties that include a prison sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 10 years.
Smoking Around Children in a Car in Kentucky – is it illegal?
While it is not completely illegal to smoke in a car in Kentucky, smoking is banned in Shepherdsville.
It is illegal to smoke around children under 18 years in a vehicle in Shepherdsville.
A violation of the law is punishable by a fine of not more than $250.
Generally, secondhand smoke is not safe for a child’s health. It exposes them to many health risks, including severe asthma attacks, pneumonia, ear infections, respiratory infections, bronchitis, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
FAQs
When Can a Child Ride in Front Seat in KY?
The State of Kentucky does not specify on car seat positions in a car. This will imply a child can sit in any seat position in a vehicle in Kentucky. But a rear-facing car seat must never be installed in the front seat with an activated airbag.
What are Kentucky Car Seat Requirements?
A vehicle’s seats must have adequate anchors or attachments secured to the floors or sides to the rear of the seats where the car seats or seat belts can be secured.
