On September 15 The state of Alaska’s Department of Public Safety announced new state regulations regarding child safety seats, taking effect immediately.
Under the law, most children between the ages of 4 and 8 must be in a booster seat.
The driver can decide whether to use a car seat or seat belt for most children older than 4 or over 65 pounds or taller than 4-feet-9 inches.
The Department of Public Safety suggests this is a good opportunity for families with young children to check the restraint systems they currently have in place in their vehicles. Some car seats and booster seats get recalled due to manufacturer defects.
Drivers should note that a fine for an adult not wearing a seat belt is $15. Violating the child safety-seat law can result in a fine up to $50.
For more information regarding child safety features for vehicles, visit the below sites:
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/hwysafety/occupant.shtml#facts
http://www.nhtsa.gov
http://www.carseatsak.org/Links/index.cfm?fuseaction=AlaskaLaw
