Kentucky Safety Facts
Child Seat Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the
leading cause of death and disability for children nationwide. Car seats are 71 percent
effective in reducing infant fatalities, 54 percent effective in reducing toddler fatalities
and 67 percent effective in reducing the need for hospitalization.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is Kentucky’s car seat law?
Children less the 40 inches must be properly installed in a car seat.
2. What is Kentucky’s booster seat law?
Children younger than 8 years old and between 40 and 57 inches must be
in a booster. Children younger than 8 but taller than 57 inches do not have
to ride in a booster seat.
3. When can my child go forward-facing?
A child must be kept rear-facing to a minimum of one year of age and 20 pounds, with best
practice being two years of age and 30 pounds.
When using a convertible seat, it is best to keep the child rear-facing until the maximum rear-
facing weight limit (read instructions or seat label).
4. Which slots should I use for the harness straps?
When rear-facing, the harness straps should be at or below the child’s shoulders
When forward-facing, the harness straps should be at or above the child’s shoulders
5. What is the clip located on the harness strap?
This is called the retainer clip and should be kept at armpit level. This enables the harness
to stay in the proper position.
6. How tight should the harness straps be on the child?
The straps must be snug against the child’s shoulders so you cannot pinch any excess web-
bing.
7. How tight should my child seat be in the vehicle?
The seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or back-and-forth when pulling at
the belt path.
8. How do I know if my car seat needs to be replaced?
If the seat is older than six years or has exceeded the manufacturer’s expiration date, it must
be replaced. If the seat has been involved in a crash, it should be replaced. First check with
your insurance company before purchasing a new seat. Using a seat with unknown history
is not recommended.
9. When can my child sit in the front seat?
The risk of injury is greater for children in the front seat, with or without an airbag. Research
shows it is best for children age 12 and under to always ride in the back seat.
10. Where can I get my car seat checked?
Contact SAFE KIDS Fayette County for sites in Lexington or SAFE KIDS Louisville for sites
in Louisville and Shelbyville. Other sites: Contact your local fire station, police department,
health department or other safety-related agency.