Virginia Car Seat Laws

Sep 23, 2016 | Auto Accidents

Important Changes for 2019

Virginia lawmakers passed a new child car seat law in May of 2018, which will take effect on July 1, 2019. The new law requires that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until age two or until they reach the seat manufacturer’s minimum weight for safe front-facing car seat use, whichever comes first. Safety experts agree it is best to err on the side of caution and keep children in rear-facing seats as long as possible.

Our original Virginia car seat laws blog continues below.

Virginia Car Seat Laws

The week of September 18, 2016 is National Child Passenger Safety Week, so it’s a great time to review current car seat laws and recommendations. Infants and children face increased risk while riding in cars compared to adults from airbag deployment and improper safety restraints. It’s important that parents or anyone carrying minor passengers be aware of the most recent safety rules and recommendations. Our guide to Virginia car seat laws in 2016 will tell you what you need to know.

The Letter of the Law

Child passenger laws in Virginia are actually quite straightforward. Children up to age eight must ride with a child restraint device that meets U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Minors over the age of eight must wear a seatbelt. There are a few qualifications included in the statute.

  • Rear-facing car seats must be in the back seat of the car.
  • If the car doesn’t have a back seat, the car seat can be used in the front seat only if the car has no passenger side airbag, or the passenger side airbag is turned off.
  • These rules apply to all vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1968.
  • “Taxicabs, school buses, executive sedans, or limousines” are exempt from these rules.

Choosing a Car Seat

The law may be simple, but it doesn’t provide much guidance on what type of car seat is appropriate for children of varying age and size.

  • Newborns and babies should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are about a year old. Size is more important than age, though. Babies should remain in the rear-facing seat until they outgrow the seat, meaning their head is within one inch of the top.
  • Forward-facing car seats should then be used until the child outgrows that seat as well. Check the height and weight limits of the seat to know exactly when that is. Choose a seat with a five-point harness rather than a tray or bar for maximum safety.
  • Booster seats should be used until children turn eight or reach 40 pounds, whichever happens later.

Installing the Car Seat

Choosing the right car seat is only half the battle in keeping your child safe. The best car seat in the world still needs to be installed correctly in order to work.

  • Read the instructions. Each car seat is different, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer instructions to the letter.
  • Check for compatibility. Not all car seats fit every car. Make sure you are getting a seat that will work with your vehicle.
  • When you have secured the child safety seat in the back seat of your car, it should not be able to move more than an inch or so in any direction if it is properly installed.
  • Make sure the belt is not twisted at any point.
  • Make sure the base of the car seat is at the correct angle. Many seats have an indicator to assist you.
  • If your car was manufactured before 1997, you may need to use a locking clip to secure the car seat.
  • To make sure your child will be safe, visit a child safety seat inspection station near you.

Don’t forget to share with family and friends!

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Trucking Safety Regulations May Influence Your Case in Virginia

    Virginia truck drivers and commercial trucking company owners must observe certain state and federal safety rules. As an accident victim, showing that the liable party violated one of these laws can reinforce your case and help you claim compensation. Let’s examine a...

    Why Drinking, Drugs and Driving are a Dangerous Combination

    Do you want to be the cause of a senseless tragedy? Each year, countless lives are lost because people decide to drink or drug and drive. It’s an irresponsible act that recklessly endangers not only your life, but also those of innocent bystanders. Whether you’re a...

    What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond, Virginia?

    According to Virginia’s car crash map, over 5,700 vehicle accidents occurred in Richmond, VA, in 2022. While a car accident can happen anywhere, some intersections in Richmond are notorious for their high number of crashes. So which intersections in Richmond pose the...

    What Is the Statute of Limitations After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    Did you suffer injuries in a Virginia truck accident? You may be able to sue the truck driver or the trucking company, but you must file your claim within a specified time limit called the statute of limitations. Virginia courts enforce this deadline very strictly and...

    Do Tractor Trailers Have a Black Box?

    One of the first orders or business after a truck crash is to request access to the tractor trailer’s black box. Black boxes often contain critical evidence that can help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim. However, the law requires trucking...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald