Responsible parents should follow car seat and booster seat requirements in Missouri. Failure to follow these requirements could result in fines and other penalties. However, a simple fine pales in comparison to the serious injury of a child. Booster seats and car seats can keep children safe during vehicle transport, and the National Safety Council states that they can reduce fatal injury risks by over 70%. Aside from the various state-specific requirements, parents can improve safety even further with additional steps. Furthermore, car seats and booster seats can help parents who need to file personal injury lawsuits after auto accidents. To discuss the various legal implications, speak with experienced auto accident lawyers in Missouri. Choose Steelman Gaunt Crowley – and call (573) 341.8336 today to get started.
Child Safety Seat Laws in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Transportation outlines the laws regarding child safety seats. Different requirements may apply depending on the weight, age, and height of the child. Depending on these factors, parents may need to choose booster seats, car seats, or normal seat belts.
What Car Seat Do I Need for a Child Under Four Years Old?
Parents with children under the age of four must choose appropriate child safety seats. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a child safety seat is a “child passenger restraint system” properly labeled according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The term “car seat” is interchangeable with “child safety seat” and “child passenger restraint system.” In addition to children under the age of four, these seats are also required for children under 40 pounds.
When Do I Need to Use a Booster Seat in Missouri?
Parents with children between the ages of four and seven can use either child safety seats or booster seats. However, the seat in question must always be appropriate for the age, weight, and height of the child. If the child is over 40 pounds, they must use a booster seat regardless of their age. If the are less than 80 pounds, they no longer need to use a booster seat in Missouri. Height is another factor to consider, and all children under 4 feet and 9 inches must use booster seats regardless of their age. Technically speaking, parents can continue to place their children in booster seats even after they pass the age of eight, the weight of 80 pounds, or the height of 4’9. However, the booster seat must always be appropriate for the specific child.
When Can I Stop Using Booster Seats and Car Seats in Missouri?
After the child turns eight, they may travel using a normal seat belt. Parents can also make this transition after the child surpasses 80 pounds or 4’9.
What Is the Penalty for Failing to Use Booster Seats or Car Seats?
If authorities catch parents transporting their children without the necessary car seats or booster seats, they may issue a $50 fine. Additional court costs may apply. Repeated offenses could also raise questions about the fitness of the parents, perhaps leading to interviews with child protective services.
Exceptions to Booster Seat Laws in Missouri
Although Missouri enforces strict booster seat and car seat laws, there are notable exceptions to consider. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will not issue fines if there is no lap and shoulder belt to accommodate a booster seat. However, children must always travel in the back seat if installing a booster seat is not possible. Parents with larger families may also place children in the back seat if their vehicles cannot accommodate enough booster seats. Note that this exception also applies to taxis or rideshare accidents in Missouri, and parents will not face fines for failing to use car seats during transport in these vehicles.
What Is the Difference Between a Car Seat and a Booster Seat?
A car seat includes its own five-point restraint system, and it is more appropriate for younger children. In contrast, a booster seat integrates with the standard lap and shoulder belt of a vehicle. Most parents “graduate” their children to booster seats when they reach a certain age or size. Aside from these main differences, there are various types of car seats and booster seats. Some variants are convertible and highly modular, allowing parents to modify the seat to suit the needs of their growing children. Some are capable of rear-facing positions, which is recommended for young infants but not required by law in Missouri.
How Do Booster Seats and Car Seats Affect Personal Injury Cases?
Aside from the various car seat/booster seat requirements in Missouri, parents should also consider how this could affect personal injury lawsuits. As an at-fault state, Missouri requires plaintiffs to prove negligence when pursuing compensation after car crashes. Missouri also follows a doctrine of comparative negligence in personal injury cases. Due to these laws, parents who fail to use proper booster seats or car seats may receive less compensation when suing on behalf of their injured children. The logic is that when a parent fails to use a proper car seat, they partially contribute to the injuries of their own children – and the total compensation decreases based on their level of fault. For example, failure to use a car seat may constitute 25% fault – and the parent could only recover 75% of their normal compensation.
In addition, parents may be sued for failing to use proper car seats by their exes or extended family members. For example, a divorced parent may place an infant in a car without a car seat. If the parent gets into a car accident, their ex-spouse could theoretically hold them partially liable for any injuries the child suffers. Parents facing liability issues due to the use (or misuse) of car seats can consult Steelman Gaunt Crowley for further guidance.
Contact the Experienced Missouri Personal Injury Attorneys at Steelman Gaunt Crowley Today
Although the requirements for car seats and booster seats are fairly straightforward in Missouri, the legal implications for personal injury lawsuits can be more complex. To discuss this subject in more detail, parents can book consultations with experienced Missouri car accident lawyers. Choose Steelman Gaunt Crowley, and call (573) 341.8336 to get started today.s.
