What Are the Car Seat Laws in North Carolina?

Ward Black Law | | Auto Accidents
Baby boy sitting in child car seat in car.

Are you confident you understand the car seat laws in North Carolina and how they apply to your child? These regulations can be confusing, and mistakes could result in fines or jeopardize your child’s safety. Here’s what you need to know to protect your child and avoid legal trouble.

Age and Size Requirements for Car Seats in NC

North Carolina car seat laws consider both the age and size of child passengers to ensure safety. Children younger than 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must ride in proper child restraints or booster seats. For children under 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds, car seats must be in the back seat of vehicles with active passenger-side airbags.

When a child turns 8 or reaches 80 pounds, they can switch to using a properly fitted seat belt. Children over 40 pounds may use a lap-only seat belt if no shoulder belt is available. Drivers must ensure children’s seat belts fit correctly, with a shoulder strap across the chest and a lap belt across the hips. It is unsafe and illegal to allow a child to place a shoulder strap under the arm or behind the back.

Penalties for Violating NC Car Seat Laws

North Carolina laws hold drivers responsible for ensuring that children under 16 in their vehicles are correctly restrained. Drivers can face significant penalties for not following car seat laws. If a child under 16 is not appropriately secured, the driver can receive a fine of up to $25 and at least $120 in court costs. Violations can also result in two driver’s license points, though they do not affect insurance rates.

Common Mistakes Parents Make with Car Seats

Simple mistakes can reduce the effectiveness of your child’s car seat. To keep your child as safe as possible on the road, avoid these common errors:

  • Wrong seat for the child’s size – Always use a car seat that matches your child’s age, weight, and height. Switching to booster seats or seat belts too soon could put your child at risk.
  • Loose seat belts or harnesses – Ensure car seat harnesses are snug and seat belts are tight. A loose fit can cause your child to slip out or reduce the restraint’s ability to protect them.
  • Incorrect seat placement – If your vehicle has an active front passenger airbag, children under 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must sit in the rear seats.
  • Facing the child forward too early – Rear-facing car seats offer better protection for young children. Keep them rear-facing as long as your car seat manufacturer’s instructions recommend.
  • Improper installation – Carefully follow your car seat manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Seats not secured tightly enough can leave children vulnerable in crash scenarios.

How Our Law Firm Helps Families Injured in Car Crashes

If you have questions about car seat requirements in NC or need help with a car accident case involving these laws, Ward Black Law is here for you. Contact us today for a free case review so our team can discuss your situation and provide the guidance you need.