Safety Seats

On July 1, 2002, Washington's new Child Restraint Law went into effect. This law, also known as the Anton Skeen Act, is one of the strongest child restraint laws in the nation. It requires the use of booster seats for older children. In 2000, Washington was the first state in the nation to pass this type of law.

SHB 1475
An act relating to child passenger restraint. Effective July 24, 2005, except section 1, which takes effect June 1, 2007.

Policy effect: The child restraint system requirements for children traveling in motor vehicles are revised. Children less than eight years old must be restrained in child restraint systems, unless the child is four feet nine inches or taller. A child who is eight years old or older, or four feet nine inches or taller, must be properly restrained either with the motor vehicle's safety belt or an appropriately fitting child restraint system. Children under thirteen years old must be transported in rear seats where it is practical to do so.

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