Nevada’s laws for car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are intended to protect children on the road. This guide is intended to help you understand Nevada’s car seat laws for 2024, explaining the general requirements, specific guidelines, penalties for non-compliance, and why proper installation and use are so important.

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At What Age Can My Child Stop Using a Car Seat in Nevada?

Nevada Revised Statutes stipulates:

Children Under 2 Years Old:
- Must ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Children Under 6 Years Old and Less Than 57 Inches Tall:
- A child younger than 6 years of age and less than 57 inches tall must be properly secured in a correctly installed car seat appropriate for their size and weight.

In other words, under Nevada Law, once a child is 6 years old or 57 inches tall, a car seat is no longer required. While these regulations adhere to best practices recommended by safety experts and are vital for ensuring the safety of young children on the road, they are the minimum required by Nevada law. A parent or guardian may, out of an abundance of caution, still choose to use a child restraint system even though their child exceeds the minimal limits set by Nevada law, so long as the child is not exceeding the height and weight restrictions of the car seat’s manufacturer.

What are the Booster Seat Laws in NV for Size and Weight?

The Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that drivers keep children in a booster seat until they are at least eight years old, but generally not beyond the age of 12. Beyond that, Nevada Revised Statute 484B.157 stipulates that children use a car seat if they are younger than 6 years old and weigh less than 60 pounds. The booster or car seat must be approved by the Nevada Department of Transportation to suit your child’s size (weight and height). Accordingly, booster seats are generally required until the child is 8 years old or reaches a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

Understanding Nevada Car Seat Laws & Guidelines

Rear-Facing Nevada Car Seat Laws / Guidelines:

Rear-facing car seats are the safest choice for infants and toddlers because they protect a child’s head, neck, and spine in a collision. Nevada law states:

Rear-Facing Seat: Children should use a rear-facing car seat until at least age 1 and until they reach the height and weight limits set by the car seat manufacturer. For maximum safety, it’s best to keep children in rear-facing seats as long as possible.

Forward-Facing Car Seat Laws / Guidelines In Nevada:

Transitioning from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat is a big step in a child’s path to safe travel. It is important for parents and caregivers to understand the specifics of Nevada’s forward-facing car seat laws to provide the best protection for their growing toddlers.

Forward-Facing Seat: Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, switch to a forward-facing seat with a harness. Continue using this seat until your child reaches the height and weight limits specified by the seat manufacturer.
Toddlers should remain in a forward-facing car seat until they are at least four years old or meet the weight and height specifications outlined by the car seat manufacturer.

Booster Seats Laws / Guidelines In Nevada:

Booster seats are required for children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats, but are not yet tall enough for seat belts to fit properly.

Booster Seat: Transition to a booster seat once your child outgrows their forward-facing seat. They should use the booster seat until the seat belts fit them properly.

Proper Installation of Car Seats and Booster Seats:

Ensuring that a child’s car or booster seat is installed correctly is also critical to providing the intended protection:

Position the Booster Seat: Place the booster seat in the back seat, ensuring it sits flat and securely against the vehicle seat.
Secure the Child:
- Lap Belt: Position the lap belt low across the child’s upper thighs, not their stomach.
- Shoulder Belt: Ensure the shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
Adjust the Fit: Make any necessary adjustments to fit the booster seat snugly against the vehicle seat. Make sure to follow the booster seat’s belt path instructions to thread the seat belt correctly.
Test and Regularly Check: Test the fit after installation to ensure the belt is correctly positioned. Regularly check that the seat and belt fit as your child grows.

When Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat in Nevada?

If you are wondering when your child can sit in the front seat in Las Vegas and Nevada, here’s what you need to know: While there is no specific age requirement for when a child can sit in the front seat of a car in Nevada, for maximum safety, keep children in the back seat until at least age 12. Then, when children are big enough for seat belts, it is crucial to ensure they fit correctly.

Proper Fit: Under Nevada law, your child should not start using seat belts without a car seat or booster seat until they are old enough or tall enough and until the seat belt fits properly. The lap belt should lie across the thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the neck or face.

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Best Resources for Child Passenger Safety in Nevada

Free Car Seat Inspections: Nevada offers free car seat inspections and installation assistance. Call 866-SEAT-CHECK or visit seatcheck.org to find a location near you.
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: Offers guidelines and resources on child passenger safety (dmvnv.com).
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): This agency provides comprehensive information on car seat safety and installation tips (nhtsa.gov).

More Information on Car Seat & Booster Seat Laws for Las Vegas and Nevada

For more detailed information and resources, visit the following websites:

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (dmvnv.com)
Zero Fatalities Nevada (zerofatalitiesnv.com)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov)

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Get a Free Consultation––Contact the Las Vegas, NV Car Accident Attorneys at SJW Car Today

Following Nevada’s car seat laws is crucial for ensuring the safety of your children while traveling. By adhering to these regulations, using the appropriate car seats, and ensuring proper installation, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

If you have questions or need legal support following an accident, contact an injury lawyer at SJW Law and get the help you need today!

Our experienced personal injury lawyers at SJW Injury Law offer FREE case evaluations and legal consultations to injury victims in Nevada. To learn more about your rights and options after an accident, call us at (702) 291-8007 or email us today.

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