Car Seat Safety is a topic we are very passionate about.  The Governor of Nebraska signed into law new car seat requirements on April 2, 2018. The new law car seat requirements takes effect on January 1, 2019. Nebraska’s new car seat laws will be updated to ensure maximum safety for children.

A Little Background

on Nebraska’s New Car Seat Law

Multiple organizations, including the AAP have stated that rear facing is the safest and children should remain rear facing in their car seat until at least age 2. One study shows rearfacing between 12-24 months is 532% safer than forward facing.  Nebraska has become the newest state to pass a law making sure that more children will remain rearfacing until at least two years old. On March 29,2018, both the House and Senate in Nebraska passed bill LB42. Then, on April 4, 2018 the bill was signed into law by the Governor Nebraska’s new car seat laws will go into effect come January 1, 2019.

Nebraska’s previous child safety seat laws stated that all children under 6 years old must be in a child seat. Children 6-18 must wear seat belts. A $25 fine was in place for violations.

Details and what Nebraska Car Seat Laws Mean

• All children up to age eight must be in a properly secured car seat other than a front seat
• Children must remain rear-facing until the age of two or they reach the maximum height or weight for their car seat.
  • For example, if you have a car seat that has a minimum forward facing weight of 25 lbs and you have a 22lb 21 month old, you need to leave them rear facing.
  • If you have a 26lb 18 month old, you could legally turn them around.
• If you have a passenger between eight years old and under 18 (meaning 17 years and 364 days), they must use a seatbelt.

Exceptions

Every vehicle that has seat belts must adhere to this new law. The exceptions are taxicabs, mopeds, motorcycles or vehicles manufactured before 1963 which do not have seat belts.

It also excludes children who have  been waived by a licensed physician because it would be harmful for their condition, but does state that the driver of such vehicle must carry a written and signed physician statement with them, identifying the child, at all times.

Authorized emergency vehicles and parade vehicles are also exempted.  Nebraska Department of Transportation must also develop and implement statewide public information and education programs in regards of how to use child passenger restraint systems and discount programs for car seats.