Be Aware of the Current Law in NJ Regarding Child Car Seats

New Jersey Car Seat Law Effective 9/1/15

There are now new guidelines to how parents install and use car seats for all children from newborns all the way up to children 8 years of age.

If a vehicle doesn't have a back seat (like a pick-up truck or a sports car), New Jersey's law says a child can ride in the front seat in a car seat or a booster seat. But the vehicle's passenger-side airbag must be disabled or shut off if a baby or toddler is using a rear-facing car seat strapped into the front seat of the vehicle. The force of air bags can injure small children if they deploy.

The fines for violating New Jersey's car seat law are currently $50 to $75. The law does not say how police would verify the age, height or weight of a child when issuing a ticket. You can no longer get out of a ticket by claiming in court that you were following the manufacturer's weight and age recommendations for your child's car seat. That provision was removed from the new version of the law. Under the new law, parents with kids under age 2 and under 30 lbs. need to turn their car seats back around to be rear facing, even if the child seems uncomfortable.

To request assistance with a car seat, have the seat inspected, assist in showing a parent or caregiver in setting the seat up, please email carseats@mahwahpd.org. One of our technicians will get back in touch with you.

Visit New Jersey Motor Vehicle's website explaining the changes: