North Carolina is a beautiful state.  And like all other state’s in the U.S., it has it’s own set of car seat laws for children.  As of right now, do you know your state’s laws?  If not, now it a great time to familiarize yourself with them. 

It is important that you know these laws simply because it will enhance the safety of your child when they’re riding in the car, it will reduce your risk of getting a traffic violation, and you won’t have to pay any unnecessary fines if you just stick to the rules.

North Carolina Car Seat Laws:

• If your child is 7 years or younger, and weighs less than 80 lbs, they must remain in a car seat.
• Also, if your child is between the ages of 8-15, and they weigh 40-80 lbs, they need to be wearing a seat belt.
• Lastly,  if your child is under the age of 4 years old, and weighs less than 40 lbs, they must be seated in the back seat of the car.  The only exception for sitting in the front is that if the airbags are deactivated.

NOTES:

• You should keep your baby rear-facing until they’ve reached both 20 lbs, and are one year of age.  Babies need time for their neck to develop and strengthen.
• Never buy a car seat that was once used and owned by someone else.  You don’t know if it has been recalled, has been in an accident or if it’s expired.
• If your child has exceeded the weight and height limit for their car seat, you must upgrade them to the next level.

If you have additional car seat questions, be sure to check out our FAQs list here.

This is just a brief summary of North Carolina’s car seat laws.  Keep in mind that they may change over time, and that it’s your responsibility to check them on occasion.