Under Georgia state law, children under the age of eight whose height is less than 57 inches must sit in the back seat of the car in a booster seat tailored to their size.
For children in Georgia ages 12 and under, automobile accidents are a leading cause of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), those deaths are largely preventable with the proper restraints.
Not only can driving with your children onboard without booster seats put them in danger, but it can also place you at risk for serious penalties if you get pulled over.
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With the help of the car insurance
experts behind Jerry
, we’re breaking down how to keep your children secure on the road in Georgia, what penalties result from breaking booster seat laws, and how Jerry can help you keep your Georgia insurance costs
low! What is the booster seat law in Georgia?
According to Georgia statutes, children eight years old and under always need to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. If children weigh over 40 pounds and are under 4’9’’, a booster seat with the proper belt positioning is required.
Georgia law also recommends that children under the age of 12 should be seated in the back of a vehicle.
With the stakes so high, it can be stressful to ensure your child is outfitted with the appropriate seat for their size. Don’t worry—this table breaks down exactly what you need to do to secure your little one on the road:
| | Child weight and/or height |
---|
Infant seat (rear-facing) | | |
Toddler seat (forward-facing) | | |
| Four years to eight years old | Between 40 and 80 pounds/under 4’9’’ tall |
| | |
The safest way to approach children as passengers in your car is to tailor their car seats to their height and weight. Despite their age, children should continue using booster seats until adult-sized seatbelts fit them comfortably.
Key Takeaway Children under the age of eight, over 40 pounds, and under 4’9’’ should always sit in a booster seat with proper restraints in the back seat of a vehicle.
How to safely install a booster or car seat
Knowing the right dimensions for your child’s safety is just the first step. You’ll need to make sure the booster or car seat is installed properly before driving off with your kiddos.
Thanks to the NHTSA, you can look up detailed instructions and reassure yourself that the seat is installed seamlessly by finding an inspection station
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What are the penalties for breaking the booster seat law in Georgia?
Neglecting to follow the booster seat law can earn you a fine of up to $50 and one point on your driving record. The official charge would be considered an “improperly restrained child.”
Additional violations of the law can double the penalties, and even lead to a suspended license.
How breaking booster seat laws can impact insurance in Georgia
A booster seat violation isn’t just a red flag to your insurance company, but it also results in increased monthly payments. Accruing points on your driving record is a surefire way to get your rates raised by your car insurance company.
Any changes in your driving record including tickets, violations, and points drive up your rates and can be detrimental if your driving record already has blemishes on it.
Finding cheap car insurance
We love our kids—but being a parent can be expensive, and Jerry is your ticket to finding affordable car insurance in Georgia
. Whether you have points on your driving record or want to score savings with your pristine driving habits, Jerry
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