Ohio Car Seat Laws - Updated & Simplified
Table of Contents
Child Car Seat Laws in Ohio
Car Seat Law in Ohio (OH Statute 4513.263 and 4511.81)
4513.263 – Occupant restraining devices
The State of Ohio defines;
- “Occupant restraining device” as a seat belt, shoulder belt, harness, or other safety device used for securing a passenger and that such device meets Federal safety standards.
- “Passenger” – any person in a vehicle other than the driver who is occupying an occupant restraining device.
4511.81 – Child restraint system law
What does the law say?
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, under 4 years or weighing less than 40 lbs. must be properly secured in a child restraint system according to the manufacturer’s instruction and meets federal safety standards.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children under 8 years and less than 4 feet 9 inches in height who have outgrown the limit as defined by the manufacturer’s instruction for the previous restraint system explained above, then such child must be properly secured in a booster seat according to the manufacturer’s instruction, and that meets federal safety standards.
- School-aged children and adolescents aged between 8-15 years who have outgrown the limits for the previous restraint systems defined above, including a booster seat, shall be properly secured either by the manufacturer’s instruction in the appropriate restraint system or in an “occupant restraining device” as defined at the beginning of this article.
- such occupant restraining device includes “seat belt, shoulder belt, harness or other safety devices.”
- A fine of not less than $25 and not more than $75 shall apply for violating Ohio’s child restraint system law.
- A second-time offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (which is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $250; or both).
More on The Law
An exemption to this law applies to a child who has a signed affidavit from a licensed physician or licensed chiropractor.
The affidavit has to state that the child has a physical impairment that would make using a child restraint system, booster seat, or an occupant restraining device impossible or impractical.
The driver, however, has to make sure he still safely and appropriately secures the child as recommended by the physician or chiropractor as indicated in the affidavit.
Ohio Car Seat Laws Rear Facing
By Ohio Car seat laws, the provision in the definition of child restraint systems, and the mention of the manufacturer’s instruction can be interpreted to mean using the appropriate restraint system for all stages of age, that is, the types of car seats (rear-facing, forward-facing, etc.). I wrote a detailed guidepost titled Types Of Car Seats By Age: Car Seat Stages.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation, the rear-facing car seat is the ideal type for infants up to the age of 2 years to an upper limit of 4 years, depending on the weight and height of the baby.
Therefore, you should use a rear-facing car seat for your baby under 2 years of age or less than 40 lbs.
Ohio Car Seat Laws Forward-Facing
When a child outgrows the weight and height limit of the rear-facing car seat as defined by the manufacturer’s instruction, you are to transition such child to the next appropriate car seat, which is the forward-facing type.
A forward-facing car seat is ideal for preschoolers and school-aged children between the ages of 4-8 years or less than 40 lbs.
Instead of buying a car seat twice within this period, you can consider using a convertible car seat. As the name implies, convertible. It can be used as a rear-facing seat and later converted to a forward-facing seat. Choosing a convertible car seat can be overwhelming, but worry not, I gat you – how to choose a convertible car seat.
Bear in mind to also follow the manufacturer’s instructions on weight and height limits for a car seat.
Car Seat Laws in Ohio; Belt-positioning Booster Seat
Ohio car seat laws explicitly mention a booster seat. They include that it should be used for preschoolers and school-aged children under 8 years and less than 4 feet 9 in height and according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
By other standards, the forward-facing car seat may still be used for children under 8 years.
A forward-facing seat with a harness is ideal for 4-8 years old and the belt-positioning booster seat, between 8-12 years old.
But as the law says, “according to the manufacturer’s instruction.” So, you should follow the recommendation by the manual on the car seat you are presently using.
Seat Belt Law in Ohio
The car seat laws in Ohio is very straightforward here.
What does the law say?
- School-aged children and adolescents aged between 8-15 years who have outgrown the limits for the previous restraint systems defined above, including a booster seat, shall be properly secured either by the manufacturer’s instruction in the appropriate restraint system or in an “occupant restraining device” as defined at the beginning of this article.
- such occupant restraining device includes “seat belt, shoulder belt, harness or other safety device.”
When your child outgrows using a booster seat, they can now use a seat belt which should be fastened properly.
Other Laws About Car Seat You Need to Know in Ohio
Car Laws for Other Passengers in A Car
All other occupants of the car must make use of a seat belt.
Front Passenger Seat Law in Ohio – Can A Child Sit in The Front Seat?
Ohio laws do not mention a child sitting in front.
But there is the clause in the law that says a “passenger” occupying the front seat shall “wear all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.”
However, you should note that children under 13 must ride in the back seat and with a seat belt or the appropriate child restraint system.
Only adolescents above 13 years are legally permitted to sit in front.
On the other hand, a rear-facing car seat must never be installed in the front seat with an activated airbag.
Also, the center rear remains the safest place for an infant car seat.
Car Seat Laws for Taxis in Ohio
The State of Ohio exempts taxicabs from the car seat laws.
Therefore, it is your responsibility as the parent or a caregiver to ensure you have the proper safety seat for your child according to their weight, height, and age.
You also need to know how to install a car seat without the base. It is not difficult at all. Just a bit of practice, and boom!
This will come in handy when you have to board a taxi, cab, or uber or switch cars with your partner.
Is it Illegal to Leave Your Child in the Car in Ohio?
Ohio has no that prohibits leaving your child in the car.
In other states, the law for this is called “hot car law.”
Smoking Around Children in Cars – is it illegal in Ohio?
Ohio is looking to make smoking in a car with children under 6 years illegal.
The bill has been proposed, and a possible fine for violation would be $500.
A second-time offender would pay another fine of $500 and an additional $250 for a subsequent violation.
Ohio Car Seat Laws – Car Seat Replacement After an Accident
Ohio State does not mandate insurance companies to replace your car seat after an accident but advises that you check with your insurance company to verify first if they cover the cost of a new seat. – source.
Getting Help in Ohio
Here is a go-to resource for help on installing and using a car seat – http://www.aaa.com/CarSeats
Find out your local store, and you can call to schedule a free seat check.
