Texas Car Seat, Booster Seat & Seat Belt Laws

At the Nava Law Group, P.C., our Houston car accident attorneys understand just how tragic traffic collisions can be in Harris County, as we traverse our congested roadways and highways alongside our clients.

Fatal collisions happen every day throughout the United States and account for nearly 24,000 deaths each year. More than half the teenagers and adults who were killed in those Texas car accidents last year were not wearing seat belts when the crash occurred.

The fact is, when adult drivers and passengers wear their seat belts properly, it improves survival rates by 50% during a crash.

Our Houston car accident attorneys are dedicated to improving driver and passenger safety throughout Houston by providing the following guidelines for Texas car seat, booster seat, and seat belt laws that can help keep everyone safe.

Texas Car Seat Laws Prioritize Child Safety

The safest place for a child to ride in any vehicle is in the back seat.

Our Texas laws state that all children under the age of five, and shorter than 36” tall, must be securely fastened in a properly fitted car seat that is the appropriate size for the child’s height and weight.

As children begin to grow, so will their car riding safety needs. Children ages one and older who weigh 20 to 40 pounds can transition to a convertible car seat that faces forward or backward.

Transitioning to a Child Booster Seat in Texas

Small children can who weigh between more than 40 pounds can transition to a booster seat with a harness, once they are 36” tall or taller.

Next, once children are over 40 pounds, but shorter than 4’9” tall, he or she should be secured in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder seat belt, instead of the harness straps used by their smaller counterparts.

Transitioning to a Seat Belt While Riding in a Vehicle in Texas

All minor children must be secured in a car seat, booster seat, or safety belt no matter where they are riding in the vehicle.

Once a child is over 4’9” tall, he or she must be restrained using a lap and shoulder seat belt.

Children younger than 13 years of age should never ride in the front seat of vehicles with active airbags, as they could cause severe injuries during an auto accident.

What Is the Seat Belt Law in Texas?

In the State of Texas all drivers and all passengers younger than seven who are 5’7” or taller, or aged eight and older must be restrained by a seat belt.

Drivers and passengers who violate these laws can be stopped and ticketed for the offense, without any additional reason for the traffic stop. The lack of seat belt use alone is enough to warrant being pulled over and ticketed in the State of Texas.

Have You Been Involved in a Traffic Accident in Texas? Contact the Nava Law Group, P.C. today

If you have been injured in an accident, contact our Houston personal injury attorneys for a free consultation by calling (713) 218-2400 today. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Houston, TX are available to review your case and provide the legal guidance necessary to pursue the best financial outcome available for your unique circumstances.