Nebraska Car Seat Laws: What You Need to Know

Nebraska car seat laws are designed to protect children while riding in a car. The laws mandate that all children up to age eight must ride correctly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Children ride rear-facing until up to age two or until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.

It is important to note that under the new law updates, the American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommends that children under two years are secured in rear-faced seats. At all times, it is advised you check the car seat manufacturer’s recommendations about the weight and height of your child. The laws also require that children eight to 18 must ride secured in a safety belt or booster seat. Motor vehicle operators must transport all children securely in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt.

If planning a family trip to Nebraska, you must follow local (or exceed) child passenger safety laws. You can find the official Nebraska car seat law in Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,267 Nebraska Rear-Facing Car Seat Law. Violating these laws can result in fines and even legal trouble. Therefore, understanding Nebraska car seat laws is crucial for your child’s safety and compliance with the law.

Nebraska Car Seat Laws Overview

Nebraska car seat laws are in place to ensure the safety of all child passengers in a moving vehicle. As of January 1, 2019, all children up to age eight must ride correctly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Children ride rear-facing until up to age two or until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.

Children aged eight to 18 years must ride secured in a safety belt or booster seat. Motor vehicle operators must transport all children securely in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt. Minors with a learner’s permit must adhere to seat belt laws or risk receiving a traffic ticket when operating a vehicle.

According to the National Safety Council, 94% of caregivers and parents in Nebraska use car seats. However, 85% install the car seats incorrectly, which is unsafe for the children. Therefore, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the safety of all child passengers.

You may be subject to a $25 fine if you violate Nebraska car seat laws. Children aged eight and under must be provided with a booster or car seat. Eight-year-olds and under are only allowed to ride in the back seat with the proper restraint system.

Nebraska improved its child passenger safety law, and as a result, the rate of children using car seats and booster seats increased nearly three times. The rate of children who sustained fatal or incapacitation injuries decreased by 17%. It is critical to follow these laws to ensure the safety of all child passengers in a moving vehicle.

Types of Car Seats

Regarding Nebraska car seat laws, several types of car seats are available for parents and caregivers. It is important to select the appropriate car seat for the child’s age, weight, and height to ensure maximum safety.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

Rear-facing car seats are designed for infants and young children up to two years of age. In a crash, these car seats offer the best protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine. It is recommended that children remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Forward-Facing Car Seats

Forward-facing car seats are designed for children who have outgrown their rear-facing car seats. These car seats use a five-point harness system to secure the child in the car seat. It is important to check the car seat manufacturer’s weight and height limit recommendations to ensure the child is properly secured.

Booster Seats

Booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. These car seats use the seat belt to secure the child in the car. It is important to ensure that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across the child’s lap and shoulder to provide maximum protection.

Age and Size Requirements

Nebraska car seat laws require children to be secured in a safety belt or child safety seat (booster seat) depending on their age, weight, and height. Here are the age and size requirements that parents and caregivers need to know:

• Infants and Toddlers: Children under two must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit the car seat manufacturer allows. Keeping children in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible is highly recommended, as it provides the best protection for their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
• Preschoolers: Children between the ages of two and four should ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit the car seat manufacturer allows.
• School-aged Children: Children between the ages of five and eight should ride in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. A seat belt fits properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt fits across the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
• Older Children: Children between the ages of eight and eighteen must ride secured in a safety belt or booster seat, depending on their weight and height. It is important to note that the law does not specify the age, weight, or height requirements for booster seats. Still, parents and caregivers should follow the car seat manufacturer’s recommendations.

In addition to these requirements, it is important to remember that children should always ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride, providing the most protection from airbags and other potential hazards in a crash.

Installation Guidelines

When installing a car seat, following the manufacturer’s instructions and the Nebraska car seat laws is important. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Always install the car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Ensure the car seat is securely installed, with no more than one inch of movement in any direction.
• Use the appropriate installation method for your car seat and vehicle. This may be the seat belt or the LATCH system.
• If using the seat belt to install the car seat, ensure it is locked.
• If using the LATCH system, ensure the lower anchors are properly attached to the vehicle and the upper tether is securely fastened.
• Adjust the harness straps to fit snugly against the child’s body with no slack.
• Make sure the chest clip is at the armpit level.
• If using a rear-facing car seat, ensure it is reclined at the appropriate angle for the child’s age and weight.
• If using a forward-facing car seat, ensure it is installed at the appropriate angle for the child’s age and weight.

By following these guidelines, parents and caregivers can help ensure their child’s car seat is installed correctly and provide the best possible protection in a crash.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Nebraska has strict laws regarding child passenger safety. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and other penalties. Here are some of the penalties for non-compliance:

• $25 Fine: If a police officer finds a car seat safety violation, then the motor vehicle driver will be issued a $25 fine plus court costs.
• Points on Driving Record: Besides the fine, one point is assessed against the operator’s driving record.
• Driver’s License Suspension: Depending on the gravity of the violation, the state of Nebraska may even assess your driver’s license.
• Daycare Institution Penalties: All daycare institutions must provide a proper restraint system for children each time they travel. Failure to do so can result in penalties for the institution.

Drivers need to understand and comply with Nebraska’s car seat laws to ensure the safety of their children and avoid penalties. Rear-facing car seats are required for children up to age two or until they reach the upper weight or height limit the car seat’s manufacturer allows. Children up to age eight must ride correctly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Over 18-year-olds are not allowed to ride in cargo areas.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s child passenger safety guidelines to ensure they use the correct car seat for their child’s age and size. By following these guidelines and complying with the law, drivers can help keep their children safe and avoid penalties.

Exemptions to the Law

While Nebraska has strict car seat laws, there are some exemptions.

Firstly, if a child is being transported in a vehicle manufactured before 1967, the car seat law does not apply. However, it is still highly recommended that parents use a car seat or booster seat for their child’s safety.

Secondly, if a child has a medical condition that makes it unsafe to use a car seat, they are exempt from the car seat law. In this case, parents should consult with their child’s doctor to determine the best way to transport their child safely.

Thirdly, if a child is being transported in a vehicle that does not have a back seat, such as a pickup truck, they are exempt from the car seat law. However, parents should still use a car seat or booster seat if possible.

Finally, if a child is transported in a taxi or other ride-sharing service, they are exempt from the car seat law. However, parents should still bring their own car seat or booster seat for their child’s safety.

It is important to note that while these exemptions exist, they should not be taken lightly. Parents should always prioritize their child’s safety and use a car seat or booster seat whenever possible.

Car Seat Safety Tips

Regarding child passenger safety, proper use of car seats is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure that your child is properly secured in a car seat:

• Always read the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully.
• Make sure the car seat is installed correctly. If you need more clarification, have a certified technician check it.
• Use the appropriate car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height. Rear-facing seats are recommended for children under two years old.
• Ensure the car seat is securely fastened to the vehicle, and the harness is snugly fitted to your child.
• Please do not use a car seat involved in a crash, as it may have been damaged.
• Please do not use a car seat over six years old, as it may no longer meet safety standards.
• Do not place a car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child is properly secured in a car seat and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Resources for Parents

Parents and caregivers can find many resources to help them comply with Nebraska’s car seat laws and keep their children safe. Here are some helpful resources:

• Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT): The NDOT website provides information on Nebraska’s car seat laws, including the types of car seats appropriate for different ages and sizes of children. Parents can also find information on how to properly install and use car seats and a list of child passenger safety events where they can get their car seats checked by trained technicians.
• Safe Kids Nebraska: Safe Kids Nebraska is a program that provides education and resources to help prevent childhood injuries, including those related to car seats. Parents can find information on how to properly install and use car seats and a list of child passenger safety events where they can get their car seats checked by trained technicians.
• Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs): CPSTs are trained professionals who can help parents properly install and use car seats. Parents can find a list of certified CPSTs in Nebraska on the Safe Kids Nebraska website.
• Car Seat Manufacturers: Car seat manufacturers provide information on their websites about the proper use and installation of their car seats. Parents should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using a car seat.
• Local Hospitals and Health Departments: Many hospitals and health departments offer car seat safety checks and education programs for parents. Parents can contact their local hospital or health department to determine if they offer these services.

Parents and caregivers need to take advantage of these resources to ensure that their children are properly secured in their car seats and are as safe as possible while traveling in a vehicle.