Every driver transporting a child under the age of 14 in Kansas must properly restrain the child as follows:

• Children under four. Children under the age of four years old must properly use a certified harness car seat. The child should be forward or rear-facing, pursuant to the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the car seat.
• Children under eight. A child who is under the age of eight years old and “weighs less than 80 pounds or is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height” must use a certified booster seat as well as a seat belt.
• Children under 14. A child how is under the age of 14 years old or “weighs more than 80 pounds or is more than 4 feet 9 inches in height” must wear a properly fitted seat belt.

The quoted language above is from K.S.A. 8-1344. For children of certain age, height, and weight, it appears that more than one of the standards could apply. So, it’s best to check with your local law enforcement agency to ensure you’re using the right type of seat for your child.

(Read more about the types of child safety seats and restraints.)

Exceptions

Several exceptions apply to Kansas’s child safety seat requirements. A car seat violation may be excusable if:

• the child is not properly secured because all other securing locations are being used by other children
• the securing location only has a lap belt and the child is over four years old and using a booster seat, or
• the vehicle (such as a school bus or antique vehicle) was not manufactured with seatbelts,

Punishments and Fines

Violations of the seatbelt or car seat requirements are misdemeanors in Kansas. A conviction is punishable by a $60 fine. However, the fine is waived for drivers who can provide proof to the court that, subsequent to being cited, they acquired the proper child restraint system.

Of course, it’s always better to use the correct seat or restraint system and avoid these fines. For assistance with choosing a car seat, you can contact Safe Kids Kansas or schedule a car seat installation inspection by calling 1-855-SEAT-CHECK. Also, car seats can be recalled or expire after a certain number of years, so it is always best to confirm your seat is safe to use.