Children less than age 16 in front or back seats are covered under the N.C. Child Passenger Safety Law, or G.S. 20-137.1.The law requires that all children who are under age 8 and under 80 pounds ride in a properly used car seat or booster seat. Children may be moved to a seat belt when they reach age 8 or 80 pounds, whichever comes first.
The law also requires that car seats be installed in the rear seat if the child is less than 5 years old and weighs less than 40 pounds, and if the vehicle has a passenger side airbag and a rear seat, unless the car seat is specifically designed for use with air bags.
Click here for more information on the law from buckleupnc.org.
Date posted: July 22, 2009
User-contributed question by:
Dennis Brinson
You failed to answer the question in that you did not address the FRONT seat. What are the requirements for the FRONT seat.
Hi, Lori. I can see where you’re coming from and how it might be confusing, but the post does address this, although it comes at it a little differently. Here’s what the law states: “In vehicles equipped with an active passenger‑side front air bag, if the vehicle has a rear seat, a child less than five years of age and less than 40 pounds in weight shall be properly secured in a rear seat, unless the child restraint system is designed for use with air bags.”
So the answer is . . . .? Over five years old and 40 lbs.?
Yes, that’s correct, as long as the vehicle is equipped with an airbag and actually has a rear seat.