At Elzey Insurance, we often have our clients ask us about child car seat safety and laws in Texas. In the state of Texas, the law requires that all children under the age of 8 years old (unless taller than 4’9) are required to be in their height-appropriate child safety system. Below is a list of car seat guidelines set-forth by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Child Passenger Safety Best Practice Recommendations
Phase 1 – Rear-Facing Seats Infants: Birth – 35 pounds. Rear-facing infant or rear-facing convertible safety seat as long as possible, up to the rear-facing height or weight limit of the seat. Properly install rear-facing in the back seat.
Phase 2 – Forward-facing Seats When children outgrow the rear-facing safety seat, they should ride in a forward-facing safety seat as long as possible, up to the upper height or weight limit (40 – 80 pounds) of the harnesses. Usually 4+ years old. Properly installed forward-facing in the back seat. NEVER turn forward-facing before 1 year old AND 20-22 pounds.
Phase 3 – Booster Seats After age 4 and 40+ pounds, children can ride in a booster seat with the adult lap and shoulder belt until the adult safety belt will fit them properly (usually when the child is 4’9″ tall). MUST have a lap/shoulder belt to use a booster seat.
Phase 4 – Adult Safety Belt Once children outgrow their booster seat (usually at 4’9″, 100 pounds) they can use the adult safety belt if it fits them properly. Lap portion low over the hips/tops of thighs and shoulder belt crosses the center of the shoulder and center of the chest. Children are better protected the longer they can stay in each phase. Keep children in each seat up to the maximum age/weight/height limits before moving to the next phase. We hope these guidelines help you in making the proper car seat decision for your child.
If you have any questions, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Frequently Asked Questions page. At Elzey Insurance, we want you to be prepared! That is why our dedicated agents and staff are here to help you with whatever you need. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 281-998-2500.