Kentucky Child Booster Seat Law Changing This Summer

Starting this summer, children in booster seats in Kentucky will have to stay in them a little bit longer according to a new state law aimed at improving safety in motor vehicles.

As of now, children who are younger than 7 and are between 40 and 50 inches tall must remain in a booster seat. The new law will raise the age to 8 and the height requirement to 57 inches. If a child exceeds those standards, a car seat in not mandatory by law. The other concern state officials and safety experts are alerting parents to is keeping the child in the booster seat so that the seatbelt fits correctly across the lap and shoulder, rather than the stomach and neck. A fine of $25 will be issued if the new requirements are not met.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is preparing to launch a statewide media campaign over the next two months to educate parents and law enforcement. State officials are still determining when the law will go into effect, although its expected in late June or early July.