Oklahoma parents need to know the laws applying to the safe travel of all children. That includes the knowledge to safely choose a child car seat, install it in a car, and safely secure a baby or child inside.
A lack of protection for children on Oklahoma streets is a problem for the entire community. Oklahoma Public Safety reported that at least 45 children (Ages 12 and under) were seriously hurt in traffic accidents in 2021. Another 21 children lost their lives. Even more tragic, in at least 14 of those fatal instances, the child was unrestrained by a seatbelt or child seat. That figure was double the number of unrestrained young victims from the year before.
These numbers demonstrate how important it is to remind parents of their duties when buckling up a child and heading out among careless motorists.
When Does My Child Need to Be in a Car Seat in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma Highway Safety goes over the exact requirements for every age on its website. The law requires any child 8 years old or younger to be in a child passenger restraint system.
Follow these guidelines set by Oklahoma lawmakers to keep children safe:
- 0-2 years: By law, children under 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- 2-4 years: Must be in a car seat until age 4
- 4-8 years: Must be in a car seat or child booster seat until at least age 8, unless the child is taller than 4’9”.
- 8 years or taller than 4’9”: Should wear a seat belt.
Oklahoma officials underline that at any age, children are always safest in the backseat. They must be buckled up for every trip.
Where Can I Get Help with Child Car Seat Requirements in Oklahoma?
Parents in Tulsa can use services organized by the Saint Francis Hospital Health System. At Safe Kids Tulsa Area, they can learn about car seat check-up events and workshops. Discount programs for car seats are also available.
Bethany Children’s Health Center organizes Safe Kids Oklahoma. You can find the same services here no matter where you live in Oklahoma. Events for parents living in Oklahoma City are also covered here.
What Is the Punishment If I’m Cited for Not Having a Child in a Proper Child Restraint?
Any driver caught with an unrestrained child in a vehicle can be cited and charged a $50 fine plus court costs. Parents can avoid punishment by quickly buying and installing a proper car seat.
This is a more detailed description according to state law:
Oklahoma Motor Vehicles Statute 11-1112 – Child Passenger Restraint System
“F. Any person convicted of violating subsection A of this section shall be punished by a fine of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) and shall pay all court costs thereof. Revenue from such fine shall be apportioned to the Department of Public Safety Restricted Revolving Fund and used by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office to promote the use of child passenger restraint systems as provided in Section 11-1113 of this title.”
Of course, parents traveling with an unrestrained child risk devastating injuries in any collision. A driver could also face criminal charges if a child is hurt in an accident while unrestrained.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
If your child is hurt due to the careless actions of another driver, please take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation with a real Oklahoma personal injury lawyer. Your baby will need full support from car insurance companies to be able to afford the best care available.
Young victims also need to be secure for the future. An injury now could disappear, only to flare up as victims enter their teen years. Old injuries can cause issues with development. Victims might need additional surgeries and physical therapy years down the road.
Without a skilled lawyer protecting your child, insurance companies can get away with providing far less than is needed for the full recovery of a young victim.
