Frequently Asked Questions
about the Oregon Booster Law
Oregon's Child Restraint Law changed January 1, 2002. Many people have
questions about how the law applies to their specific situation. The
following questions have been received at the Child Safety Seat Resource
Center Clearinghouse. If you still have questions call 503.656.7207
in the Metro area or 1.800.772.1315 in Oregon.
I have an eight year old son who weighs 47 lbs. We have
a car with three seatbelts in the back seat, 2 with shoulder straps
and one in the middle with just a lap belt. Can he legally ride in the
middle, with just the lap belt?
Your son must ride in a booster seat using the lap and shoulder belt.
My child is five years old. She weighs 65 lbs. Does she
need to be in a booster seat?
Your daughter must ride in a booster seat rated to the appropriate weight,
using the lap and shoulder belt.
My daughter will not be 6 until August. We have a Chevy
Astro Van and the back seats only have lap belts. Does she have to be
in a booster seat since she will not be wearing a shoulder harness?
No, she cannot use a booster seat because they all require lap and shoulder
belt systems. She should wear the lap only belt positioned snug and
low across her thighs. To provide additional protection with a lap only
belt, available options include a tethered harness system or a lap top
type of seat. Call for more information.
I have four children in my family who will now need a booster
seat. Is there any organization that is providing financial aid for
this program?
There is a statewide child safety seat voucher program in every county.
To get information on the program in your county, call ACTS Oregon Child
Safety Seat Resource Center at 503.656.7207 or in Oregon 1.800.772.1315.
My car does not have air bags. Can my 7 year old who weighs
62 pounds ride in the front seat?
Best practice would be to secure your child in the back seat with the
lap and shoulder belt until she is 13 years old. However, if you choose
to put your child in the front seat, move the vehicle seat as far back
from the dashboard as possible and secure your child with the lap and
shoulder belt. If you child does not fit properly in the lap and shoulder
belt, best practice would be to use a booster seat.
My child is 7 years old and weighs 65 pounds. How do I
know if he needs a booster seat?
Your child needs to use a booster seat if you answer "No"
to any of these questions:*
If you answer yes to all questions, your child is ready to ride in
the lap and shoulder belt.
*Used with permission from SafetyBeltSafe USA.
I run a daycare center. Am I exempt from the booster law?
No, you are not exempt. Children who are at least 4 years of age and
under 6 years of age and children weighing between 40 and 60 pounds
must ride in booster seats. If you are using a van or bus that has lap
and shoulder belts, these children should ride in a booster using those
belts. Children under 40 pounds should ride in a convertible seat with
a harness secured with the lap only belts. If your van or bus does not
have lap and shoulder belts, children over 40 pounds should wear the
lap only belt positioned snug and low across their thighs. To provide
additional protection with a lap only belt, available options include
a tethered harness system or a lap top type of seat.
*Using a booster seat will be the law in Oregon beginning
January 1, 2002. It states that "a person who is at least four
years of age and under six years of age or weighs between 40 and 60
pounds must be properly secured with a child safety system that elevates
the person so that a safety belt or safety harness properly fits the
person. This mean that children between 40 and 60 pounds and between
4 and 6 years of age must use a booster seat. Safety experts recommend
children use booster seats until they are at least 8 years old and weigh
80 pounds.
