Car seats and booster seats are designed to protect children in the event of a crash. Nevada has specific laws outlining when and how these seats must be used. If you are driving with a child in Las Vegas or anywhere in the state, understanding these laws can help you avoid penalties and keep your child safe.
Nevada’s Car Seat and Booster Seat Requirements
According to Nevada Revised Statute 484B.157, children under six years old and weighing less than 60 pounds must be secured in a car seat or booster seat. The seat must be approved by the Department of Transportation and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The law applies to all personal vehicles. However, it does not apply to public transportation, school buses, or emergency vehicles. If a child has a medical condition that prevents them from using a car seat, a doctor’s note can provide an exemption.
Proper Car Seat Installation and Use
Installing and using a car seat correctly is just as important as having one. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides guidelines for safe installation and use:
- Infants (0-12 months): Must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Should remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the height or weight limit set by the manufacturer.
- Young children (4-7 years): Should use a forward-facing seat with a harness until they outgrow it.
- Older children (8-12 years): Should use a booster seat until they are tall enough for a seat belt to fit properly. The lap belt should sit across the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt should lie across the chest, not the neck.
Regardless of the child’s age, the safest place for them is the back seat. Airbags can cause serious injuries to small children in the front seat.
Penalties for Violating Nevada’s Car Seat Laws
Failure to follow Nevada’s car seat laws can lead to fines and other penalties:
- First offense: A fine between $100 and $500 or 10-50 hours of community service.
- Second offense: A fine between $500 and $1,000 or 50-100 hours of community service.
- Third or subsequent offenses: Possible license suspension for up to 180 days.
If you receive a citation for violating car seat laws, you may have the option to complete a safety training program. Completing the training within 60 days can result in waived fines and community service for a first offense. For a second offense, completing the program may reduce fines and community service by half. However, this option is only available once per person.
Can a Car Seat Violation Affect an Injury Claim?
In the event of an accident, not using a car seat correctly can put your child at risk of serious injury. While Nevada follows a comparative negligence system, the law states that failing to use a car seat cannot be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. This means that if another driver is responsible for an accident, your compensation will not be reduced simply because your child was not in a car seat.
Defective Car Seats and Liability
Sometimes, a properly installed car seat may fail due to a defect. If your child is injured because of a defective car seat, the manufacturer could be held responsible. Common defects include faulty buckles, weak straps, or poor design. If you suspect a defect caused an injury, save the seat and contact an attorney to investigate.
Understanding and following Nevada’s car seat laws can help keep your child safe and prevent fines. If your child was injured in a crash, Friedman Injury Law is here to help. Our team can review your case and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Call (702) 970-4222 today for a free consultation.
