Safe Communities of North Dakota

 
Explore SafeCommunities.org:

Free Safe Communities Newsletter
Stay informed on the latest Safe Communities news and resources through our free e-newsletter, Perceptions.

Click here to subscribe!
Partner Sites:

North Dakota
Motorcycle Safety Program

North Dakota
Department of Transportation
Article Options
Popular Articles this Month:
  1. Alcohol and Seatbelt Statistics
  2. Tips to reduce stress in the work place
  3. Illinois Teen-Driving Law Revokes Truant Licenses
  4. March 01, 2008 Crash Stats
  5. Seasonal Safety Tips - Summer
No popular articles found.
Fast Facts

32% of suspended second-time offenders and 61% of suspended third-time offenders received violations or were involved in crashes during their suspensions.

More Fast Facts...

 »  Home  »  Traffic Safety News  »  North Dakota’s New Child Passenger Safety Law
North Dakota’s New Child Passenger Safety Law
Published  06/23/2005 | Traffic Safety News |
Some children should remain in a booster seat beyond the age of 7 in order that they ride SAFELY.
  • Currently, the North Dakota law says that when a child turns age 4, they can legally use the adult seat belt system in the vehicle. While the child is legal to use the seat belt, they are by no means safe in an adult seat belt at this age.

  • On April 11, Governor Hoeven signed into law a bill passed in the North Dakota House and Senate. This bill will increase the age in which children need to be in a car or booster seat to age 7 (unless they are at least 80 pounds and at least 57 inches before that age). There will be a one point deduction from your license and a $25.00 fine for violation of this law.

  • There may very well be children who should remain in a booster seat beyond the new law’s age of 7 in order that they ride SAFELY. To determine if a child is ready to sit in the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt system without a booster seat, they should be able to:

    • Sit with their back against the vehicle seat back.

    • Have their knees bent at the edge of the seat without slouching.

    • Have their feet on the floor.

    • Have the lap part of the belt over their hip bones and not over the soft abdominal tissue.

    • Have the shoulder strap part of the belt cross at the middle of the chest and shoulder and not at the neck.

    • It is important that the child be able to ride in this position for the entire ride.

    • Depending on the size of the vehicle and the stature of the child, they may require a booster seat for proper and SAFE positioning even after age 7.

  • Booster seats come in a variety of sizes and styles. It is recommended that a child remain in a harness-style car seat until they are 40#. Once ready to move to a booster seat, they may use a high back seat or a low-back seat (belt positioning booster). The high back seat provides protection in the event that there are not high seat backs or head rests in the vehicle. High back seats without a harness can be purchased from SAFE KIDS Grand Forks for $25-30. Low back booster seats can be purchased from SAFE KIDS Grand Forks for $15.00.

  • If you are interested in purchasing a booster seat by attending one of several booster seat distribution events to be held in Grand Forks this spring and summer, please provide SAFE KIDS Grand Forks with your contact information. You may also visit one of the SAFE KIDS monthly Car Seat Check-up Events held at Rydell GM Auto Center the second Thursday of each month from 4 – 7 p.m. Seats are available for the above listed prices at these events as well.

  • Thank you for becoming aware of the new law which will go into effect on August 1, 2005 and for assuring that your kids have a safe ride. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer and disabler of children under the age of 14 and together, we can assure that every ride is a safe ride.

  • For more information on child passenger safety, please contact SAFE KIDS Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or chanson@altru.org. or stop by one of the above listed car seat check-up events. [ end of article ]