Question about Car Seats

I am a kindergarten teacher and we sent home a permission slip for a field trip that we are going on in two weeks. One parent wrote back to me that children under 60lbs. are required by law to be in a car seat. (We are not taking a bus to this field trip, rather some of the parents are taking a couple of the kids.) Is this true and does anyone know where i could read up on this. thanks for your help!!

Re: Question about Car Seats

I don't know if it's true or not, but I also teach kindergarten, and I've taken many field trips on busses, and none of the parents have ever mentioned or requested car seats.

Re: Question about Car Seats

I found this

New York

New York State's Occupant Restraint Law

What is the child safety seat law in New York?

New York law requires safety seat use for children under age four. Seats must be certified under Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards. Seats must be attached to the car by seat belts and the child must be secured in the safety seat.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and car owner manual regarding child safety seat use. If you do not install and use the seats correctly, their effectiveness will be decreased. Never place a child in a rear-facing safety seat in the front seat of an air bag-equipped car. Remember to buckle up the rest of the family as well.

What is the seat belt law in New York State?

New York State law requires all front seat passengers to wear seat belts. Children less than age 16 must wear seat belts when they are in the front seat or the back seat. Children under the age of four must sit in certified safety seats. The penalty for a seat belt or car seat violation is a fine of up $50. If a safety seat conviction or a seat belt conviction includes a person under the age of 16, the driver receives a maximum fine of $100 and 3 points on the driver license record.

6/03

As for parent driving students, what would happen if they got into an accident? I would be wary of driving other children in my car.

Re: Question about Car Seats

I would NOT want stangers (parents that I don't know= strangers to me) driving my child to a field trip. I would want my child on a bus JMO.