Keeping your child safe in the car should always be one of your top priorities.  The everyday roads and driving are dangerous enough, so it’s important you do everything you can to keep your little one’s safe.

Car seat laws should always be learned, and considered when you’re driving with your children.  These laws vary from state to state, and can make the difference of you getting fines, traffic violations, points on your record and can even make the difference of keeping your child safe or not.

If you live in the state of Alaska, do you know your state’s car seat laws?  If you’ve answered “no”, now is the time to learn them!

Alaska Car Seat Laws:

• If your baby is under 20 lbs, and is younger than one year old, they must remain in the rear-facing position.  This will allow their neck time to develop and strengthen.
• Also, if your child is between the ages of 1-4, and they weigh more than 20 lbs, they must remain in a child car seat.
• Once your child has reached the ages of 4-15, and they weigh more than 20 lbs, but less than 65 lbs, and are shorter than 57″, they must remain in a booster car seat.
• Your child must also wear a safety belt if they are between the ages of 7-15, weigh less than 65 lbs, and are shorter than 57″.
• If you fail to follow these laws, if can result in a fine of $50 for the first offense.

NOTES:

• It’s always best to wear a seat belt when riding in the car, regardless of your age, weight or height.
• If your child has grown past the height and weight for their car seat, they must be upgraded to the next level.
• Never buy a car seat that is used.  It is far too dangerous and can only make matters worse due to things like expiration, recalls and previous accidents.

This is just a brief summary for Alaska’s car seat laws.  Car seat laws can change over time, so it’s important that you keep up with this information!