Child Passenger Safety: What You Need to Know

Effective August 1, 2019, the Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Law requires the following guidelines for properly restraining children in vehicles. Which seat is best for your child?

North Oaks offers free car seat checks and installation assistance monthly in Hammond. Call (985) 230-5723 or (985) 230-5540 to make an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician. 

Birth to 2 years old

At least 2 years old and has outgrown the rear-facing seat by height or weight per the manufacturer's instructions

4 years old and has outgrown the forward-facing seat with internal harness by height or weight per the manufacturer's instructions

9 years old or has outgrown the booster seat and can pass the 5 Step Test (see below)

The 5 Step Test

The seat belt fits correctly when:

1. The child's lower back sits all the way back against the vehicle seat.
2. The child's knees bend over the edge of the vehicle seat.
3. The lap belt fits snugly across the child's thighs or lower hips and not on the abdomen.
4. The shoulder strap snugly crosses the center of the child's chest and not the neck.
5. The child sits properly, with no slouching or playing with the seat belt.

Younger than 13 years old

Passengers younger than 13 years old must ride in the rear seat of a vehicle when available and properly restrained.

A child who can be placed in more than one category shall use the more protective category. Child safety seats must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

North Oaks offers free car seat checks or installations monthly in Hammond. To make an appointment, call North Oaks Community Education at (985) 230-5723.