Child Seats

Who is Covered?   

All children under six years of age riding in a passenger automobile, van, or pickup truck while the vehicle is in motion on a public road, street, or highway of Georgia. 
     
Who must Comply?  

All drivers on Georgia roadways (see exemptions) 
   
Vehicles Exempted:   

• Taxi cabs
  
• Public Transit

Until July 1, 2007, vans that are operated by licensed or commissioned child care facilities, that have current annual transportation safety inspection certificate and has evidence of being inspected for use by a child care facility, however, children age five must be properly restrained by a safety belt and
Multifunction school activity buses, as defined in the Federal Register, for children age five
       
Other Exemptions:   

• A lap belt may be used for children weighing at least 40 pounds when the vehicle is not equipped with both lap and shoulder belts, or
  
• Lap and shoulder belts are being used to properly restrain other children
  
• If parent can show that the child's height is over 4'9", child must be in a safety belt.

Children must be in the rear seat unless:   

• There is no rear seating position or
  
• All appropriate rear seating positions are occupied by other children
  
• Children in the front seat must be properly restrained in an appropriate seat used according to the manufacturer's instructions
• In addition, code section 40-8-76.1 (e)(3) stipulates that each minor six years of age or older who is an occupant of a "passenger vehicle" must be restrained by a safety belt.

"Passenger vehicles" are defined as every motor vehicle designed to carry ten or less and includes pick-up trucks for occupants under 18.

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