How do I know if my child has to wear a seat belt or sit in a car seat when riding in a vehicle?
Texas law now requires drivers and all passengers in vehicles to be secured by a safety belt. A safety belt violation can result in fines ranging from $25 to $50, plus court costs.

Any child under the age of 8 must be restrained in an approved child passenger safety seat unless taller than 4 feet, nine inches. The fine is up to $25 for a first offense and $250 for a second subsequent offense.

Safety Seat Guidelines

Safety belts are designed for adults, not children. Use a booster seat to lift your child up and prevent severe injuries in a crash. View an informational video about the proper use of child safety seats.

Please remember the following guidelines when buying the proper seat for your child:

Birth-1 Year, Up to 35 Pounds
•Use a rear-facing seat until your baby reaches the weight limit or height limit of the seat.
•Secure the chest clip even with your baby's armpits.
•Fasten harness straps snugly against your baby's body.

1-4 Years, 20 to 40 Pounds
•Use a forward-facing seat for as long as the safety seat manufacturer recommends it.
•Fasten harness straps snugly against your child's body.
•Secure the chest clip even with your child's armpits.
•Latch the tether strap to the corresponding anchor if your vehicle has one.

4-8 Years, Over 40 Pounds
•Use a booster seat.
•Fasten the lap belt across your child's thighs and hips, not stomach.
•Strap the diagonal belt across the chest to rest on the shoulder, not the neck.

Show All Answers

1. When do they test the early warning system sirens?
2. What is the curfew in Burleson?
3. Is it legal to discharge a firearm (aka shoot a gun) in the City?
4. How do I know if my child has to wear a seat belt or sit in a car seat when riding in a vehicle?
5. Why has the vehicle inspection sticker been eliminated?
6. What is K2?