In Oregon, there are specific laws regarding car seats and booster seats that every parent should know so that they secure their children. Today we will show you the details about Oregon Car Seat Laws.
Oregon Infant Car Seat Law
All infants must be in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the car until they are at least one year old AND weigh at least 20 pounds. It is recommended to keep infants in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the maximum weight and height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Front Seat Requirements Oregon
Children under the age of 13 must NOT ride in the front seat of a car unless all the back seats are occupied by other children who are also under the age of 13. If all children are under the age of 13, they can be secured in either the front or back seats using the appropriate car seat or booster seat based on the child’s age, weight, and height.
Oregon Rear-facing Car Seat Law
All children under the age of two must be in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the car. It is recommended to keep children in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the maximum weight and height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Oregon Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Children must be in a forward-facing car seat with a harness in the back seat of the car once they outgrow their rear-facing car seat. A child has outgrown their rear-facing seat if their head is within one inch of the top of the seat or if they have exceeded the maximum weight limit for the seat.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Oregon
Children must use a booster seat once they outgrow their forward-facing car seat. A child has outgrown their forward-facing seat when they have reached the maximum weight and height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Children should remain in a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and between the ages of 8 and 12, or until they can comfortably use the regular seat belt.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Oregon
It is illegal to leave a child under the age of six unattended in a car or other motor vehicle for longer than ten minutes, unless the child is being supervised by a person who is at least 12 years old. If the child is injured or dies due to being left in the car, the person responsible can be charged with a crime.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Oregon
In Oregon, children under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must be restrained in a child safety seat when riding in a taxi or any other motor vehicle. The taxi driver is responsible for ensuring that children are properly restrained, and parents can be held responsible if they fail to provide a car seat for their child. Additionally, taxis must have seat belts available for all passengers, including children.
Oregon Seat Belt Laws
In Oregon, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Children under the age of 8 must be restrained in a child safety seat as described in the manufacturer’s instructions unless the child is at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Violation of the seat belt law is a primary offense, which means that law enforcement can pull over and ticket a driver solely for not wearing a seat belt.
Cell Phone And Text Messaging While Driving
In Oregon, it is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving, including sending or reading text messages. The law applies to all drivers, regardless of age. However, using a hands-free device is allowed. Violation of this law is a primary offense.
Fines & Penalties
The fine for violating Oregon’s child safety seat law is up to $250 per offense. Repeat offenders may also face a mandatory court appearance. In addition to the fine, points can be added to the driver’s record. If a child is injured in a crash and was not properly restrained, the driver may face criminal charges.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Oregon
There are many resources available in Oregon for parents who need help with their child’s car seat. The Department of Transportation offers free car seat inspections and installations by certified technicians. The Oregon Department of Human Services also provides low-cost car seats to families who qualify. Additionally, many hospitals, fire stations, and police departments offer car seat installation and inspection services.
FAQs
Why is the front seat unsafe for children?
The front seat is unsafe for children because they can be injured by the airbag in the event of a crash. Airbags are designed to protect adults, but they can cause serious harm to children due to their size and weight.
The force of the airbag deploying can cause head and neck injuries, and even death in some cases. Additionally, the front seat puts children at greater risk for injury if the car is involved in a collision because it is closer to the point of impact.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Oregon?
Yes, it is illegal to smoke in a car with a child in Oregon. The law prohibits smoking in a vehicle if there is a child under 18 years of age present. Violations of this law can result in fines and penalty points on your driving record.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Oregon?
According to Oregon law, children must be at least eight years old and 4’9” tall to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. This is because children who are smaller than this are not yet large enough to safely wear a seat belt and could be injured by the airbag. It is recommended, however, that children continue to ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
How Long Should Children Be In Rear-Facing Seats?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This is because a rear-facing car seat provides the best protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
What Kind Of Car Or Booster Seat Does Your Child Need?
The type of car or booster seat your child needs depends on their age, height, and weight. Infants should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
After that, they should ride in a forward-facing car seat until they are at least four years old and 40 pounds. Once your child outgrows their car seat, they should use a booster seat until they are tall enough to use the seat belt without assistance, which is usually around 4’9” tall.
Conclusion
By following these laws and guidelines, you can ensure that your child is as safe as possible when riding in a vehicle. Remember, the best way to protect your child is to always use the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age, height, and weight and to make sure it is installed correctly. Keep your child safe and secure by staying up-to-date on Oregon’s car seat laws.