Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among children ages five to 19. Using the right car seat and ensuring it is used correctly is the best way to protect your child while in the car.
Oklahoma Child Passenger Safety Laws
Oklahoma state has laws in place to ensure the safety of every child in the state. These are the minimum baseline parents must follow as their child ages. Click through to review child safety laws for Oklahoma.
Newborn-Two+ Years
Babies should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit listed on the label - at least two years of age.
Two-Four+ Years
Children aged two to at least four years of age must be in a car seat with a 5-point harness and top tether.
Four-Eight+ Years
Children aged four to at least eight years of age must be in a car seat or booster seat until the child is taller than 4’9”.
Taller than 4'9"
The adult seat belt usually does not fit well until sometime between the ages of eight and 12, depending on the size of your child.
Child Passenger Safety FACTS
- Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among children ages five to 19.
- Research shows that children between the ages of one and two are FIVE TIMES SAFER riding rear-facing than forward-facing.
- Children ages two to five who use seat belts prematurely are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in a crash than those in child safety seats or booster seats.
- Nine out of 10 car seats are installed improperly.
- Children should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old, even in a vehicle equipped with advanced airbags.
Types of Car Seats
Rear-facing
These seats are designed for rear-facing use only. They may be used as low as “birth” or four pounds and up to 40 pounds. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. These seats are designed to be installed rear-facing and should NEVER be installed forward-facing.
Convertible Seats
These seats may be used rear-facing up to 30 to 50 pounds, depending on the manufacturer, and then turned (converted) to a forward-facing seat for children up to 40 to 80 pounds. Again, each seat is different, so it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions very carefully.
Combination Seats
These seats combine a 5-point harness seat with a booster seat. The seat is used until the child reaches the weight limit of the harness, which can range from 40 to 90 pounds. The harness is then removed and the seat is used as a booster seat. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully because weight and height limits vary for the seat when used as a harnessed seat and a booster seat.
Booster Seats
These seats are designed to help an older child (at least four years of age) transition from a forward-facing seat with a harness to a vehicle seat belt. Booster seats should be used until children reach the upper weight limit of the booster seat, or until they are 4’9” tall.
Additional Car and Road Safety
Car Seat Tips from Safe Kids
In and Around Cars - Tips from Safe Kids
Avoiding Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes
Learn More About Safe Kids Tulsa Area
Safe Kids Tulsa Area is the eastern Oklahoma affiliate of Safe Kids Worldwide – a global organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children. To learn more, or for information regarding membership to our coalition, please call our office at 918-494-SAFE (7233).