Oklahoma law does not specify a minimum age for a child to sit in the front seat. However, they do require children 8 years old and younger to be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provides important safety recommendations that parents and guardians should consider when deciding whether to move a child to the front seat.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about allowing your child to sit in the front seat in Oklahoma.
Overview of Oklahoma Child Car Seat Laws
As children get bigger, they naturally want to sit in the front seat so that they can feel more “grown up.” Many states have laws that specify a certain age when children can move to the front seat.
Oklahoma does not have an age-specific law governing when children may sit in the front seat. However, state law does require children of a certain age to be in an appropriate child passenger restraint system.
- Children 2 and under: Should be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system until they reach the height or weight limitations of the rear-facing car seat.
- Children 2 to 4: Must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system.
- Children 4 to 8: If less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall, the child must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or child booster seat.
- Children 8 and over (or taller than 4’9”): May use the vehicle’s regular seat belt.
Oklahoma’s car seat laws are somewhat more flexible than those of many other states. However, you should always make sure you are familiar with those laws before allowing your child to sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
Additional Recommendations for Child Car Seat Safety
Even though it is not a law in Oklahoma, the NHTSA recommends that children remain in the back seat of a vehicle until they reach age 13. Only then does the NHTSA recommend allowing them to ride in the front seat.
This recommendation is in place to help increase child safety during a car accident. Putting a child in the front seat too early can greatly increase the risk of airbag injuries and injuries resulting from improperly fitting seat belts.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death for children aged 1 to 13. Putting your child in the proper safety restraint system will decrease their chances of suffering catastrophic injuries or death during an accident.
Penalties for Violating Oklahoma’s Car Seat Laws
Parents and guardians who violate the car seat laws can face some legal consequences. First-time offenses for a violation of the car seat laws may result in a fine of $50 plus court costs.
However, that fine may be waived if you provide proof that you have purchased or acquired the appropriate car seat. Repeated violations may result in additional penalties under Oklahoma law.
What to Do if Your Child Is Hurt in a Car Accident
Even when properly restrained, children still suffer injuries from car accidents. If your child has been hurt in a car accident, your first thought is for your child’s health and safety. Knowing what to do can not only help protect your child but also preserve their legal right to pursue compensation.
After an accident, you should:
- Ensure that your child receives immediate medical treatment for any injuries
- Notify the police so that they can create an accident report
- Gather as much evidence from the scene as you can, including photos of all the vehicles
- Keep detailed records of your child’s injuries and all accident-related expenses
- Seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer before talking to the insurance company
An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Contact the Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers at McIntyre Law for Help Today
If your child was injured in a car accident, you may have questions about your legal rights and the compensation available for your family’s losses. An experienced attorney can explain your options, investigate the crash, and handle communications with the insurance company while you focus on your child’s recovery.
For more information, contact an experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney at McIntyre Law to schedule a free consultation today.
Reach out to McIntyre Law for help today. We proudly serve injured clients throughout Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, and surrounding communities across Oklahoma.
McIntyre Law P.C. – Oklahoma City
8601 S Western Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
(405) 917-5200