The Lowdown on Backless Booster Seat Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Booster Seat Laws Explained

An overview of the current law in North Carolina with regards to booster seats is as follows: Amended on July 21, 1999, North Carolina law formerly required children to be properly secured in an approved child passenger restraint system, "the rear seat of a vehicle manufactured for transporting more than 10 occupants," if they were 4 years of age or younger. The law was subsequently amended so that it now includes an additional booster seat requirement. Now, all children through the ages of birth to age four must be properly secured in an approved child passenger restraint system, regardless of vehicle size, the child 4 years old or younger must be secured in the rear seat unless all rear seats have been removed or are not equipped with a safety belt. Also, all children aged through 7 years old must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system, regardless of vehicle size, and must be properly secured in the rear seat unless all rear seats have been removed or are not equipped with a safety belt . Further, children ages 8 through 12 years old, who are not at least 80 pounds in weight, 4 feet 9 inches in height or who are not restrained by a properly fitting lap and shoulder seat belt, must also be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system.
Under North Carolina booster seat law, a ‘booster seat’ is defined as child restraint system that is designed to elevate a child so that the lap and the shoulder belt will properly fit the child. Administered by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV), the approved child restraint system that a backless booster seat shall meet or exceed . Approved backless booster seats shall meet or exceed the testing standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Approved backless booster seats are sold at most major retailers and can be purchased online.
It is the legal responsibility of parents and caregivers to secure their children properly in a child restraint system, which includes utilizing a backless booster seat when necessary. Failure to do so can result in a citation in addition to an elevated risk for serious injury or death if a vehicle crash occurs.

Backless Vs High-Back Booster Seats

When it comes to booster seats, the two primary options for parents are backless booster seats and high-back booster seats. Though these two options are similar in that they both elevate the child so that they can sit safely and comfortably in a seatbelt, there are some key distinctions between them. For starters, high-back booster seats offer support for the neck and head that backless booster seats typically do not provide. This is important because when a crash occurs, it is common for the child’s head to snap forward into the seatbelt. If the seatbelt is not guided properly to avoid this scenario, the child could be injured. Backless booster seats are often viewed as less safe than high-back booster seats for a number of reasons. For example, they do not provide protection for the neck, spine, and head, and as a result, a child is more susceptible to injuries like whiplash if the booster seat is not positioned properly or if the child is even slightly larger than the manufacturer’s recommended height and weight limits for the device. As with high-back booster seats, many backless booster seat manufacturers recommend that their products not be used until the child reaches a weight of 30 pounds and at least 40 inches tall. Many backless booster seat manufacturers recommend that their products not be used until your child is at least 40 inches tall and 40 pounds. It’s also critical that kids using backless booster seats remember to keep their backs straight against the vehicle seat at all times.

Backless Booster Seat Safety

The Center for Disease Control describes booster seats as one of the most effective tools to prevent injury during a crash. When used properly they can reduce the risk of injury in a crash by as much as 45%. Backless boosters, on the other hand, are only effective about half the time.
Most experts agree that backless boosters should only be used when there is no other option available, and they discourage parents from buying them as their primary booster seat. No crash test was available for the juvenile product regulatory panel to review for the evaluation of this product. The tests considered by the panel included Sled test measurements, which were tested exclusively at the shoulder of an 11-year-old dummy with a shoulder belt only, and data measured by the dummy, mainly by the head.
There has been movement to create regulations for backless boosters, but without dedicated funding the requirement has not yet been practical in the current market. There is hope that new government funding will produce new tests and protocols that will create a new, safer line of boosters, but as of now, safety concerns surrounding backless boosters remain.

Penalties for Violation in North Carolina

All people who do not comply with North Carolina booster seat laws will receive a fine. The fine for violating North Carolina child safety seat laws is $25 , plus court costs. The points for this offense are two DMV Points. This offense does not carry any other penalties, such as having to complete a driver improvement course or hearing.

How to Choose a Backless Booster Seat

When selecting the best backless booster seat for your child, there are a few key features you should look for to ensure their safety. First and foremost, you want to check the safety ratings of the backless booster seat you are considering. Look for crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and other independent organizations to see how well the seat performed in various safety tests.
Next, consider the ease of installation. A backless booster seat should be simple to install in your vehicle and easy to adjust as your child grows. Look for seats with clear instructions and markings to help with the installation process. It should also have a secure and easy-to-use safety belt guide, so that you can properly secure the booster seat in place .
Compatibility with your vehicle is another essential factor. Some backless booster seats may not fit properly in certain vehicles, which can create safety hazards. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the booster seat will work with your specific make and model of vehicle.
Finally, you want to look for reputable brands and models that comply with North Carolina state regulations. In North Carolina, all children under the age of 8 must be secured in a proper child safety seat or booster seat. Be sure to choose a model that meets these requirements and has positive reviews from other parents.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best backless booster seat for your child and ensure their safety while on the road.