Summary of the Pennsylvania's Child
Passenger Protection Laws

(Act 53, 1983/ Act 22, 1993/ Act 229, 2002)

• All drivers operating a passenger car, Class I and Class II truck, classic motor vehicle, antique motor vehicle or motor home shall securely fasten infants and children under 8 years of age in an approved child restraint/booster when riding anywhere in the motor vehicle, including the cargo area. The seat may be in any seating position equipped with a seat belt in the vehicle. (However, for maximum protection, a back seat is preferable.)

• All drivers transporting children under 4 years of age are responsible to securely restrain those children in an approved child passenger restraint system. (Primary Law)

  • Violators may be stopped as a primary offense for non-compliance of the Child Passenger

    Protection Law for children birth to age 4. Violators may be fined up to a maximum of $100.00, plus Court Cost (adjusted annually); $30.00 Cat Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Costs.

  • The fine shall be dismissed if the person prior to or at his hearing displays evidence of acquisition of a child passenger restraint system/booster. Evidence shall include a receipt to the appropriate court officer, which evidences the purchase, rental, transferal from another child seat owner (notarized letter) or bailment from a child seat loaner program.

• All drivers transporting children 4 years of age or older but under 8 years of age are
  responsible to securely restrain those children in a seat belt system and an appropriately fitting child booster seat. (Secondary Law)

  • Violators of this secondary law may be fined up to a maximum of $100.00; $30.00 Cat Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Costs. Secondary law means that drivers can be ticketed only when cited and convicted for another violation, such as speeding or running a red light.

  • The fine shall be dismissed if the person prior to or at his hearing displays evidence of acquisition of a child passenger restraint system/booster. Evidence shall include a receipt to the appropriate court officer, which evidences purchase, rental, transferal from another child seat owner (notarized letter) or bailment from a child seat loaner program.

    An approved child passenger restraint system will be labeled to indicate that the child restraint conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

    Fines collected are placed in a fund used to purchase child safety seats for car seat loaner programs. Civil immunity for child passenger safety technicians and lenders of car seats has been granted. No certified child passenger safety technician or organization acting in good faith, within the scope of the training, and without a fee or charge to the owner or operator of the vehicle, shall be liable for an act of omission that occurs in giving advice or assistance regarding the inspection, installation or adjustment of a car seat. No person or organization who lends child restraints shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any acts or omission, except any act or omission intentionally designed to harm or any grossly negligent act or omission resulting in harm to another. Hospitals are required to notify parents of the PA Child Seat Law and the location of car seat loan programs in the community, and provide educational materials about the law.

For clarification, other details or a complete copy of the law call:

1-800-CAR-BELT

PA TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION PROJECT

484-446-3008

Revised 6/06

SUMMARY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S SAFETY BELT LAW

• All drivers of a passenger car, Class I truck, Class II truck or motor home transporting children 8 years of age or older but under 18 years of age are responsible to securely restrain those children in a seat belt system when riding anywhere in the vehicle. (Secondary Law)

  • Violators of this secondary law shall be fined $10.00; $30.00 Cat Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Costs. Secondary law means that drivers can be ticketed only when cited and convicted for another violation, such as speeding or running a red light.

• Each driver and front seat occupant of a passenger car, Class I truck, Class II truck or motor home operated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system. (Secondary Law)

  • Violators, if convicted of the primary offense for which the vehicle was stopped, shall pay a $10.00 fine; $30.00 CAT Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Cost for the seat belt violation.

  • Exceptions to the law are made for (1) those whom a physician has verified in writing are unable to wear a seat belt system for physical or medical reasons or a psychiatrist/qualified specialist has verified in writing that a person is unable to wear a seat belt for psychological reasons (written verification must be produced); (2) occupants of cars manufactured before July 1, 1966; (3) specific occupational designations.

• A driver who is under 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle in which the number of passengers exceeds the number of available safety seat belts in the vehicle. (Primary Law).

  • Violators shall be stopped as a primary offense and shall pay a fine of $10.00; $30.00 Cat Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Costs.

NOTE: NHTSA recommends that children 12 and under ride buckled up in a rear seat – small children should ride in a rear seat in child safety seats approved for their height, weight, physical development, and behavioral needs. Infants in rear facing child safety seats should.

NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.

For clarification, other details or a complete copy of the law:

1-800-CAR-BELT

PA TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION PROJECT

484-446-3008