North Carolina Car Seat Installation

Installing a car seat properly is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child’s safety on the road. North Carolina has strict laws requiring the use of car seats and booster seats, but even the best car seat can’t protect your child if it isn’t installed correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all car seats are installed improperly, putting children at risk in the event of an accident.

Here’s what you need to know about car seat installation in North Carolina to keep your child safe and comply with the safety law.

Understanding Car Seat Installation Requirements

North Carolina follows federal safety standards regarding car seat installation and mandates that all car seats be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes ensuring that the seat is securely fastened to the vehicle and that the child is properly secured in the seat. Proper installation reduces the risk of injury in a crash and is required by law under NCGS § 20-137.1, which states that all children under 16 must be properly restrained in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.

Types of Car Seats and Installation Methods

Car seat installation can vary based on the type of car seat and the age, weight, and height of your child. There are three main types of car seats, each with specific installation instructions:

Rear-Facing Car Seats

• Who it’s for: Infants and toddlers up to 2 years old or under 40 pounds.
• Installation method: A rear-facing car seat must be placed in the back seat of the vehicle, facing the rear window. This position provides the best protection for a young child's head, neck, and spine.
• Securing the seat: Rear-facing seats can be installed using either the vehicle’s seat belt or the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, a set of built-in anchors in the vehicle designed to make car seat installation easier and safer.

Tip: Make sure the seat is reclined at the proper angle to prevent the baby’s head from falling forward, which could obstruct breathing. Most rear-facing seats come with an indicator to help you adjust the angle correctly.

Forward-Facing Car Seats

• Who it’s for: Toddlers and preschoolers who have outgrown their rear-facing seats, typically around 2 to 5 years old.
• Installation method: Forward-facing seats are placed in the back seat of the vehicle and secured using the seat belt or the LATCH system. The car seat’s internal harness should be used to secure the child.
• Top tether: When installing a forward-facing car seat, always use the top tether strap, which attaches to a specific anchor point in your vehicle. The tether reduces forward movement in a crash, providing additional protection for your child’s head and neck.

Booster Seats

• Who it’s for: School-aged children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats, typically until they are 8 years old or 80 pounds.
• Installation method: Booster seats are used to position the vehicle’s seat belt correctly across the child’s body. The lap belt should lie across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder, not the neck.
• Seat belt use: The booster seat does not use its own harness. Instead, it ensures that the vehicle’s built-in seat belt fits the child properly.

Common Car Seat Installation Errors

Car seats are most effective when installed and used correctly. Unfortunately, improper installation is a common issue, often due to misunderstanding instructions or failing to properly secure the seat. Here are some of the most common car seat installation mistakes:

Loose Car Seat Installation

A properly installed car seat should not move more than one inch from side to side or front to back. If the car seat is loose, it can shift during a crash, reducing its effectiveness. Whether you are using the seat belt or LATCH system, ensure the car seat is tightly secured to the vehicle.

Incorrect Seat Angle

For rear-facing car seats, the seat should be reclined at the appropriate angle to prevent the child’s head from tilting forward, which can obstruct breathing. Most car seats come with an indicator to show whether the angle is correct, but caregivers often miss this important adjustment.

Not Using the Top Tether

When installing a forward-facing car seat, the top tether is essential for reducing forward movement in a crash. However, many caregivers either don’t use the top tether or don’t attach it to the correct anchor point.

Harness Straps Too Loose

The car seat harness should be snug against the child’s body. A good rule of thumb is to perform the “pinch test”—if you can pinch the harness webbing between your fingers, it’s too loose. The harness should be positioned at or below the child’s shoulders for rear-facing seats and at or above the shoulders for forward-facing seats.

Using the LATCH System for Car Seat Installation

The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system is designed to make car seat installation easier by providing built-in anchors and tethers. Here’s how to use it properly:

1. Locate the Lower Anchors: In vehicles manufactured after 2002, the lower anchors are located between the seat cushions in the back seat. Attach the car seat’s connectors to these anchors.
2. Tighten the Straps: Once the car seat is connected to the lower anchors, tighten the straps to ensure the seat is secure.
3. Use the Top Tether for Forward-Facing Seats: Attach the top tether strap to the designated anchor point, usually located on the back of the seat or the ceiling of the vehicle. Tighten the tether to prevent forward movement.

Note: Not all vehicles have LATCH anchors in every seating position. If your vehicle does not have LATCH in the position where you need to install the car seat, you can use the seat belt instead.

Free Car Seat Installation Inspections in North Carolina

To help parents and caregivers ensure their car seats are installed correctly, North Carolina offers free car seat inspection services. Certified technicians are available at many local fire stations, police departments, and hospitals to check car seats for proper installation. During these inspections, technicians can:

• Ensure the car seat is compatible with your vehicle
• Check that the seat is installed tightly and at the correct angle
• Adjust harness straps for a proper fit
• Demonstrate how to use the LATCH system correctly

You can find a nearby inspection station by visiting the NHTSA’s Car Seat Inspection Station Locator or contacting your local fire department or police station.

Penalties for Improper Car Seat Installation in North Carolina

North Carolina’s child passenger safety laws require that all children under 16 be properly restrained in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties for the driver:

• A $25 fine
• Court costs
• Two points on your driver’s license

While the financial penalties may seem minor, the real risk comes from the increased chance of injury in the event of a crash. Proper installation can make all the difference in protecting your child.

What to Do After an Accident Involving a Child

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and your child was in a car seat, it’s important to have the car seat inspected for damage. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the car seat may no longer provide the same level of protection after a crash.

If your child was injured in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, we understand the emotional and financial toll that a car accident can take on your family. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

How The Law Offices of John M. McCabe Can Help

If your child was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence or improper car seat installation, The Law Offices of John M. McCabe is here to help. Our car accident lawyers are committed to protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation necessary to recover from your injuries.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in pursuing justice for your family.