A New Law Could Keep Kids in Booster Seats Until Middle School

May 07, 2019 by apost team

If you are a parent of a tween, you may increasingly be aware of your child’s desire to fit in with peers. Your attempt to give your tween a hug and a kiss on the cheek as you drop him or her off at school can lead to profound embarrassment and even anger. Middle schoolers are at that in-between stage where they are giving up childish things and moving into their teen years. They increasingly want to be treated less like a baby and more like an adult.

However, a new law may result in middle schoolers having to remain in their car booster seats for a few additional years.

This strict car seat law has passed in Washington, and it is designed to help older children remain as safe as possible on the road. Specifically, the new regulation states that children who are shorter than 4'9" and older than four must be in a booster seat at all times. It further requires children who are under the age of thirteen to sit in the rear of the vehicle at all times. This means that some children who have already given up a booster seat and who sit in the front seat may have to revert for another year or two.

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Some new restrictions impact younger children as well. Specifically, the law now requires children to sit in an approved rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old. Between the ages of 2 and 4 years old, they must sit in a forward-facing car seat. They can only transition to a booster seat when they reach the manufacturer’s recommendations for height, weight and age. The exception to these rules is when children are in shuttles, buses and for-hire vehicles. This law becomes effective on the first day of 2020.

Dr. Beth Ebel, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, told KOMO News that the new law aligns child safety requirements with current research and best practices. Nonetheless, this law is bound to frustrate and anger many middle schoolers. While parents can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that their children are as safe as possible on the road, they will also be at the frontlines dealing with their upset children each time they get in the car.

How do you feel about the new law in Washington? Leave your comments and participate in the conversation. Also, pass this on to your friends and loved ones—we should raise awareness about this important discussion.