Washington State Has Two Occupant Protection Laws

Washington State Has Two Occupant Protection Laws: The Seat Belt Law and The Child Restraint Law

The Seat Belt Law requires: arm; the shoulder belt is behind the 5 least 4’9” who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly. (NOT 1 • ALL vehicle occupants to be back; or the lap belt is up on the stomach). under the arm or behind the properly restrained in ALL back.) seating positions. Try this 5-Step Test to learn 2 • The driver is responsible for 6 when the adult seat belt seeing that all children under Washington's Child Restraint properly fits your child. the age of 16 are properly Law will change on June 1, 7 secured. 2007 to require: 1. Does the child sit all the way back 3 • Passengers 16 years of age and against the vehicle seat? 1 • Children under 13 years old be older are responsible for transported in the back seat themselves and may receive 2. Do the child’s knees bend where it is practical to do so. their own ticket if they are not comfortably at the edge of the properly restrained. 2 • Children up to their 8th vehicle seat without slouching? birthday, unless they are 4'9" tall (57 inches), be transported Buckling one seat belt around two in a child restraint system. (For 3. Does the lap belt stay on the people or placing the seat belt under example a child car seat, top part of the child’s thighs? the arm or behind the back is booster seat, vest, or other dangerous, can cause death or restraint that is federally 4. Is the shoulder belt centered on serious injury in a crash, and is a approved for use in the car.) violation of the law. the chest and shoulder? 3 • The restraint system must be used according to the car seat 5. Can the child stay seated this The law requires everyone to AND vehicle manufacturer’s way for the whole trip? wear the seat belt correctly. The instructions. If you say no to ANY of these driver can be given a ticket if 4 • Vehicles equipped with lap- the seat belt does not properly questions, or if your child puts the only seat belts are exempt shoulder part of the seat belt under fit the child (for example: the from the requirement to their arm or behind their back, shoulder belt crosses the face or use a booster seat. neck; the shoulder belt is under the your child still needs a booster • Children 8-years of age or at seat. 8