Pennsylvania CPS law

jjordan

Moderator
Here is a link to the law; I just want a second set of eyes (or the input from someone in PA). It looks like there is no minimum age requirement for using a booster, just a general requirement that a child needs to be within the manufacturer's height/weight guidelines for whatever seat he/she is in. Is this correct? Thanks!
 
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jwilliams

New member
We discussed 4 as being the legal minimum for boostering in my course in May.

Birth to 4 is a "seat belt and restraint," 4-8 is a "seat belt and booster."

The law addresses 4yos who are under 40lbs but not under-4yos who are over 40lbs.

And technically my 45lb 5yo is breaking the law in her 5 point. However, most law enforcement types take these to be minimums and they're not going to ticket anyone for harnessing a 5yo or boostering a 9yo.

Most people I know (as in, non car seat geeks) follow 4. I still distinctly remember my niece saying, "I'm four and I don't need a car seat NO MORE!" And most people drop the booster at 8.
 

Lemonade

New member
What Jwilliams said.

I do think they are minimums and they can't be expected to update the law every time new higher weight seats come out. If you are using the seat within the manufacturer's specifications then you're probably OK in the eyes if the law.
 

jjordan

Moderator
Here is one quote:

Children under 4 years of age shall be securely fastened in a safety seat belt system and a child passenger restraint system appropriate for their height and weight in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.

But then above it says

Child passenger restraint system—

(i) A device or system to enhance the safety of children in motor vehicles which is designed and manufactured for use in motor vehicles equipped with a safety seat belt system and which meets the Federal motor vehicle safety standards in 49 CFR 571.213.

(ii) The term includes a child booster seat.

So my question is, it looks like it is legal to booster before age 4. Is that the case? Or am I missing something?

I wasn't intending to ask about the legality of a 5-point harness for ages 4-8, although they definitely have it worded poorly. :(
 

jwilliams

New member
I think you could definitely make an argument that a 30lb 3yo riding in a booster with the manufacturer's requirements being met is legal, due to that definition.

This week in badly worded laws! :(
 

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