What is the Ohio Seat Belt Law?
State law requires that all children under the age of 4 years and less than 40 pounds be secured in an appropriate car seat according to manufacturer instructions. Additionally, children under the age of 8 years who weigh over 40 pounds and are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches are required to be in a booster seat or other appropriate car seat, according to manufacturer instructions.
Children 8 years of age to 15 years of age are required by the law to be in seat belts no matter where they are in the car. It is recommended that children under 13 years of age ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Does the seat belt fit?
- Does your child sit with their back against the vehicle seat?
- If so, do your child’s knees bend comfortably around the seat edge?
- Do your child’s feet touch the floor?
- Does the seat belt rest on their shoulder, between the upper arm and the neck?
- Does the lap portion of the seat belt stay low on the hips, and not over the stomach?
- Can your child ride comfortably in the position the whole trip, without moving the shoulder strap or slouching in the seat?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to safely use the seat belt.
Should my child’s car seat be replaced after an accident?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that a car seat be replaced after a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection. Car seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.
What defines a minor crash?
A minor crash is one in which ALL of the following apply:
- The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
- The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
- None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.
- If the vehicle has air bags, the air bags did not deploy during the crash.
- There is no visible damage to the car seat.
Schedule Appointments Online
You will be advised to bring your child along, if possible, as well as your vehicle and car seat manuals. Jackson Township does not provide car seats.
The Columbus Health Department offers low-cost convertible car seats and booster seats to families in Franklin County. Please contact the Car Seat Hotline at (614) 645-7748 or
health@columbus.gov if you are a resident of Franklin County and need a car seat. This program is designed to provide car seats at a reduced cost to families in need.