New Booster Seat Laws

Are your children between ages 4 and 8? As of June 1, 2006, Wisconsin State Law requires the use of a booster seat for all children who:

• Are between ages 4 and 8
• Weigh between 40 and 80 pounds
• Are shorter than 57 inches (4 feet, 9 inches)

Complying With the Law

Here is a summary of Wisconsin’s laws concerning car seats, booster seats and safety belts:

A rear-facing child safety seat in the backseat is required when the child:

• Is younger than age 1
• Weighs less than 20 pounds

A forward-facing child safety seat in the backseat is required when the child:

• Is between ages 1 and 4
• Weighs between 20 and 40 pounds

A booster seat is required when the child:

• Is between ages 4 and 8
• Weighs between 40 and 80 pounds
• Is shorter than 57 inches (4 feet, 9 inches)

A safety belt is required when the child:

• Is age 8 or older
• Weighs 80 pounds or more
• Is 57 inches or taller

Keeping Your Child Safe

Booster seats help the safety belt fit properly and reduce the risk for injury. The Dean Foundation offers a six-month rental of a booster or car seat for $5. To qualify, you will have to attend a car-seat-safety session, held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Call 608-827-2327 to sign up for the class.

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