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Frequently Asked Questions
The Washington State Patrol remains committed to achieving excellence
in public safety by striving to improve in professionalism and service
to the public.
Select a category of most frequently asked questions or browse the page
of to view the answers:
Commercial Vehicles and Regulations
Concealed
Weapons and Reciprocity
Motorized
Scooters - EPAMD
Public
Records and Background Checks
Travel,
Traffic, and Driving Conditions
Troopers
and Career Information
Vehicles,
Inspections, and Equipment
Violations,
Fines, and Collision reports
Washington
Laws: Seat Belt, DUI, RCW
If you cannot find the answer you were looking for or have additional
questions,
please contact us at questions@wsp.wa.gov.
How can I find out about road conditions?
Road conditions, traffic cameras, weather, ferry schedules, traffic
flow maps and more can be found on WSDOT's Traveler Information Web
site at http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/.
Where can I find mountain pass information?
Mountain pass information including cameras, roadway conditions and
restrictions, current radio messages and weather conditions and forecasts
at WSDOT's Mountain Pass Web site at http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.
What are the approved traction devices and when should I use
them?
Answers to commonly asked traction questions are on our Traction
Devices page or by going to WSDOT Winter Driving Tips page at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/.
Is SR 410 closed in the winter?
Yes. It is usually reopened in late spring, after Memorial Day.
What construction projects are in progress that I need to
know about?
Go to WSDOT's Traveler Information page at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/
for a current report on all construction projects in progress
as well as their Travel Alerts page located at: http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/.
Can I travel in the left lane of traffic all of the time?
No. The law reads "stay to the right except to pass." Signs are posted.
Can I use medians on I-5 and I-90 to turn around when traffic
backs up?
No. The infraction for driving through a median carries a minimum fine
of $388. Only DOT maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles are allowed
in the medians. See RCW
46.61.150
.
Do I have to use my turn signal every time I make a lane change?
Yes. See RCW
46.61.305.
What do I do if I approach an intersection and the signals
are not working?
An intersection with a non-functioning light should be treated as an
all-way stop. Unless you are directed by a flagger, police officer,
or firefighter, you must stop and yield to the vehicle on the right
or to oncoming traffic if you are preparing to turn left.
Can children ride in the back of pickup trucks?
Yes, provided there are no seats available in the cab. If adults are
occupying the passenger seats, they are required to ride in back so
children can ride up front.
Can a person ride a bicycle on Washington's state and interstate
highways?
Yes, except for "high density" areas of the state such as King, Pierce,
and Snohomish Counties which have signs posted at on-ramps to indicate
if bicycles are prohibited.
Who is authorized to use HOV lanes?
1) Rubber tired municipal transit vehicles conforming to RCW
46.04.355
; 2) Buses with a capacity of sixteen or more, including
operator; 3) Motorcycles conforming to RCW
46.04.330
; 4) Recreational vehicles with the number of occupants
specified on signs; 5) Other vehicles with the number of occupants specified
on signs (See RCW
46.61.165
and 47.52.025
).
All trucks exceeding 10,000 lb. G.V.W. are prohibited from using HOV
lanes at any time, except for tow trucks en route to an emergency on
a specific roadway or roadside.
The HERO Program
operates a 24-hour telephone hotline (206) 764-HERO for reporting observed
violations of the HOV lanes and ramps.
What
is a VIN inspection and when am I required to have one done?
Beginning July 1, 2001, vehicles brought into Washington from another
state or country go through a stolen-vehicle screening process within
the Department of Licensing before a Washington State title is issued.
The new law eliminates the physical VIN inspection of an out-of-state
vehicle by the Washington State Patrol.
The State Patrol
will continue to perform physical inspections on rebuilt vehicles that
were destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company. They
will also perform inspections on homemade vehicles, stolen vehicles,
vehicles without a proper VIN, vehicles with a VIN discrepancy, vehicles
with a record or ownership dispute, and other special cases. See our
VIN Page for more information.
What
will happen if a vehicle is identified as stolen?
Under the new law, if a vehicle is reported and identified as stolen,
the Department of Licensing (DOL) will notify the owner that a physical
inspection of the vehicle is required and forward the report to the
State Patrol for follow up. The owner has 30 days to get a vehicle inspection
or the registration will be canceled and no title will be issued. The
record will be flagged to prevent future registration until the vehicle's
status is resolved. See our VIN Page
for more information.
I want
to have my car windows tinted. Are there any restrictions in this state?
Information on tinting or coloring vehicle windows can be found in RCW
46.37.430
.
What
motorcycle helmets are legal and provide proper protection?
See the Bogus motorcycle helmets
page with information on buying legal helmets.
Is emissions
testing required? Where can I get it done?
Emissions testing is required in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and
Spokane counties. For more information, see the Department
of Ecology web site.
My vehicle
was towed/impounded? Where can I find it? Is there a charge?
Call your local city or county law enforcement agency to determine which
tow company has your vehicle. If your vehicle was impounded on a state
or interstate route, call the local State
Patrol office. Once you have located your vehicle, you may contact
the tow company directly.
How
long can a vehicle remain abandoned on an interstate or state route?
Normally, you have 24 hours before an abandoned vehicle is impounded.
If a vehicle is a hazard or is abandoned next to the left lane, it will
be subject to immediate impoundment.
If I'm
involved in an accident with another vehicle on I-5 and we are blocking
the road, should we move our vehicles off the roadway to a safe location?
If no one is injured and the vehicles can be driven, moving to a safer
location will help facilitate the flow of traffic and provide you with
a safer environment.
What
is the definition of a motorized scooter which is legal to use in Washington
State?
An “electric
personal assistive mobility device” (EPAMD) means a self-balancing
device with two wheels not in tandem, designed to transport only one
person by an electric propulsion system with an average power of seven
hundred fifty watts (one horsepower) having a maximum speed on a paved
level surface, when powered solely by such propulsion while ridden by
an operator weighing one hundred seventy pounds, or less than twenty
miles per hour. (RCW
46.04.1695
)
A “motorized
foot scooter” means a device with no more than 2 ten-inch or smaller
diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat
upon by the operator, and is powered by an internal combustion engine
or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without
human propulsion. (RCW
46.04.336
)
Are the EPAMD
and motorized foot scooters considered a vehicle? No. (RCW
46.04.320
)
Do I need a driver’s
license to operate an EPAMD or motorized foot scooter? No driver’s
license is required to operate an EPAMD or a motorized foot scooter.
Where can I operate
my EPAMD or motorized foot scooter? It is unlawful to operate an
EPAMD on a fully controlled limited access highway; however, an EPAMD
can be ridden on sidewalks. (RCW
46.61.710
)
Motorized foot scooters
may not be operated at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half
hour before sunrise. They may be operated most places bicycles are allowed
such as multipurpose trails or bicycle lanes, provided “motorized
vehicles” are not prohibited. (RCW
46.61.710
)
Who regulates
the use of an EPAMD or motorized foot scooter?
- A municipality
and the Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of
an EPAMD on public highways within their respective jurisdictions
where the speed limit is greater than 25 miles per hour.
- A municipality
may restrict the speed of an EPAMD in locations with congested pedestrian
or non-motorized traffic and where there is significant speed differential
between pedestrians and EPAMD operators. The areas in this subsection
must be designated by the city engineer or designee of the municipality.
Municipalities shall not restrict the speed of an EPAMD in the entire
community or in areas in which there is infrequent pedestrian traffic.
- A state agency
or local government or municipalities may regulate the operation of
an EPAMD and motorized foot scooter within the boundaries under their
jurisdiction and control, including any area used for recreation,
open space, habitat, trails, or conservation purposes. (RCW
46.61.710
)
Can the EPAMD
and motorized foot scooter be ridden on bike paths? Yes, providing
there are not signs prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles.
How do I obtain a new license in the state of Washington?
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is only in charge of the enforcement of driver and vehicle license rules as set by the Department of Licensing (DOL). For information or questions relating to obtaining a drivers license, vehicle license, commercial driver’s license, or motorcycle endorsements, please visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/main/faqs.htm#Vehicle
, or call DOL at (360) 902-3900 for driver’s license information, or (360) 902-3770 for vehicle license information.
Where can I find information about the new Intrastate DOT Number requirements?
An informational brochure is available by clicking here
. On-line registration and assistance is available at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online-registration/onlineregdescription.htm
.
How much
can I haul?
An axle spacing chart can be found in RCW
46.44.041
.
What are
the hours of travel for oversize vehicles on weekends?
Travel during the weekend is the same as during the week, except there
are no commuter hours through the major metropolitan areas.
What is a
single state registration?
Form RS-3, Authority to haul for hire in the state. Available through
the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission at (360) 664-1160.
What loads
can travel during hours of darkness?
Limitations are 100 feet in length, 12 feet wide, and 14 feet 6 inches
in height. Rear overhang measured from center of last axle; cannot exceed
15 feet. This does not include commuter hours.
What do I
need to enter the state of Washington?
- Vehicle Licensing,
permits.
- Fuel license
(IFTA).
- Single State
Registration (if for hire).
What are
the requirements for having a CDL?
- Class B -
Single vehicle with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 26,000 pounds.
- Class A -
If trailer is over 10,000 pounds and combination is over 26,000 pounds.
- Class C -
Weight limitations are less than above and the vehicle is loaded with
Hazardous Materials or over 16 passengers, including driver.
- Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating as specified by manufacturer located on vehicle door
post.
What size
trucks have to report to the scale?
Gross vehicle weight rating of over 16,000 pounds.
Can I come
to the Port of Entry to get my permit?
No. Please see our locations
and phone numbers directory for obtaining permits.
Can I get
a permit over the phone?
You can get a permit faxed from the following locations before entering
the state:
- Washington
State Department of Transportation - (360) 704-6340, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday.
- Washington
Trucking Association - (800) 732-9019, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
- Permit Express
- (800) 553-5358, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Transceiver
- (800) 749-6015, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday.
Are Ports
of Entry open on weekends? Yes.
Where can
I buy temporary licensing, not Trip Permits?
Temporary licensing is available from the Department of Licensing at
(360) 902-4000.
What are
the escort car requirements?
- Over 11 feet
in width requires one front and one rear pilot car on two-lane highways.
- Over 14 feet
in width requires one rear pilot car on multiple-lane highways.
- Overall length
over 100 feet or when rear overhang measured from center of the rear
axle exceeds one-third of the overall length, one rear pilot car is
required on two-lane highways.
- Overall length
over 140 feet requires rear pilot car on multiple-lane highways.
- Loads over
14 feet 6 inches in height require front pilot car. This requirement
does not apply to mobile homes.
- Loads over
15 feet, including mobile homes, require a front pilot car with a
height pole.
- When a load
prevents the driver from seeing the roadway 200 feet to the rear,
a rear pilot car can be used in lieu of extended mirrors.
What are
the permit prices?
- Single
Trip - $10.00
- Over width,
over height, over length, or any combination of
- Weight-Nonreducible
loads over axle or over gross
- (over
dimensions are included at no additional cost)
- 30-Day/Monthly
- Over width
with over height - $20.00
- Over length
- $10.00
- Over width
and over height and over length - $30.00
- Annual
- Single Trailer
- $100.00
- Double Trailers
- $100.00
- All Others
- 30 day price x 12
- Temporary
Additional Tonnage
- Minimum 5
days; Maximum 10 days - $14.00 x each 2,000 lbs.
- Log Tolerance
- April 1 to
March 31 - $50.00
- July 1 to
March 31 - $37.50
- October 1
to March 31 - $25.00
- January 1
to March 31 - $12.50
- Transfers
- $14.00
What is legal
height, width, and length?
- Height
14 feet
- Width
8 ft. 6 in.
- Length
Single Vehicle - 40 feet (Auto Stage, Motor home 46 feet)
-
Semi Trailer - 53 feet (Can purchase permit to 56 feet)
-
Double Trailers - 61 feet (Can purchase permit to 68 feet)
-
Truck and Trailer - 75 feet
-
Auto/Boat Transporter - 75 feet
(plus 3-foot overhang and 4-foot rear overhang)
(stinger steered)
Are you open 24 hours?
Yes. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, Ports of Entry are closed
New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and the day after, and Christmas.
Do you take
comp checks?
No. We accept cash, Master Card, Visa, company checks, or personal checks
from a Washington state bank branch.
How
do I become a trooper and what are the requirements?
Click here for a more detailed Trooper Career FAQ page
which includes links to requirements
, application
, and testing
information.
Trooper cadet applications are available at all State Patrol offices.
You may also call 1-800-888-8384 or (360) 704-2300, or write to:
jobs@wsp.wa.gov
Human Resource Division
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42620
Olympia, WA 98504-2620
Does
the Washington State Patrol have a ride-along program?
No, not for the general public. I see
troopers pulling people over at the end of the month. Are there quotas?
No. Troopers are not expected to write a specific number of traffic
infractions. Their performance is rated on their overall ability to
perform all of the duties required of them.
How
do I request public records from the State Patrol. Is there a fee?
Please review our Public Records
page.
Where
and how do I obtain a background check?
Go to the Identification and Criminal
History Section page.
I sent
in a request for a criminal records check. How long will it take?
A response may take anywhere from three to ten weeks. If this amount
of time has passed, you may call (360) 705-5100 for further information.
Where
can I have my fingerprints taken?
Your local police department or sheriff's office offers fingerprinting
services.
The State Patrol's
Identification and Criminal History Section provides fingerprinting
services for people who need a fingerprint-based background check for
employment or licensing (excluding weapons) purposes. You can call the
Customer Service Unit at (360) 705-5100. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
weekdays, except legal holidays.
How
does the State Patrol set fines for speeding and other traffic violations?
The Washington State Patrol does not set fines for speeding and traffic
violations. The base penalty is set by the Washington State Supreme
Court (RCW 46.63.110
) but does not include statutory assessments, which
are set by the State Legislature.
The Monetary Penalty Schedule for Infractions
 (effective July 1, 2007) can be viewed from the Washington Courts website.
*Special Note: As of July 5, 2007 there is an e-mail circulating the internet with the subject “New Traffic Fines For 2007” or a variation thereof is not valid for Washington State. The above link for Monetary Penalty Schedule will take you to the actual Washington Monetary Fines for traffic violations.*
How is the money from speeding fines and other violations used?
Of the citation fines, 57% are remitted to the local jurisdiction wherein the citation was issued, and 43% are remitted to the Public Safety Education Account (PSEA). These funds are used to promote traffic safety education, highway safety, criminal justice training, crime victims’ compensation, judicial education, the judicial information system, civil representation of indigent persons, winter recreation parking, drug court operations, and state game programs. PSEA funds less than 5% of the overall WSP budget, primarily the WSP Crime Lab, which is spent in partial funding of the Crime Laboratory, the Meth Response Team, and the Identification Section. I lost
my speeding ticket. How much do I owe and where do I send the fine?
This can be a difficult question to answer. Fines are paid to different
district and municipal courts -- depending on which police agency issued
the ticket (citation) and where it was issued.
First, if you
can locate the citation, you will find the name, address, and telephone
number of the court to which you pay the fine. If you can't find it
but you know it was issued by the State Patrol, contact the district
court in the county where you received the citation (King, Snohomish,
and Pierce Counties have several district courts).
If you received
a citation from any other police agency or sheriff's department, contact
them for more information.
Will I get pulled over for driving while texting or talking on a hand held device?
No,
these offenses are classified as secondary offenses. That means
law enforcement can take enforcement action if there has been another
violation of law such as speeding or following too closely leading to
the traffic stop. The law requiring hands-free devices was Senate
Bill 5037
, and goes into effect in July 1, 2008. The prohibition on text messaging
was House
Bill 1214
, and is effective in January 1, 2008.
Can
you send me a copy of the radar operator's manual?
Copyright laws prohibit us from making copies of the radar manual, but
it can be obtained from Kustom Signal Inc., 10975 El Monte, Overland
Park, Kansas 66211.
Where do I get a permit to move an unlicensed vehicle?
Contact your local Department
of Licensing office to obtain a three-day permit.
Is an
out-of-state instruction permit valid in Washington State?
Yes, as long as you comply with Washington laws and there is a driver
with five years of licensed driving experience seated next to the person
with the instruction permit.
I was
involved in an accident. Can I get a copy of the collision report?
For information on how to obtain a copy of the Police Traffic Collision
Report. Please see our Collision Reports
page.
Where
can I get a concealed weapons permit?
The State Patrol does not handle applications, but you can go to the
office of your local sheriff or chief of police for one. See RCW
9.41.070
.
For additional questions or to obtain an application in advance contact the Washington
State Department of Licensing by visiting their Web site at http://www.dol.wa.gov/ppu/firfront.htm.
Does
Washington recognize concealed weapons permits from other states?
In
2004 Washington’s Firearms and Dangerous Weapons statute (RCW
9.41
) was amended to allow non-Washington residents to carry concealed
weapons in Washington if they have obtained a concealed weapons permit
from another state that meets certain conditions imposed by Washington’s
law. For additional questions or to obtain information on this law and
the states that Washington currently recognizes, please go to the Attorney
General Web site at http://www.atg.wa.gov/page.aspx?ID=2334.
Additionally, Washington concealed pistol licenses will be recognized in the states listed on the Concealed License Permit Reciprocity list and well as possibly other states that do not require reciprocity. You will need to check the laws of the other state before traveling with your weapon.
NOTE: Handguns must be carried in accordance with the law of the state
you are visiting. Be sure
to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your
handgun.
Can
active law enforcement officers from other states carry concealed weapons
in Washington?
Yes, pursuant to RCW
9.41.060(1)
.
I
travel a lot and have a concealed weapons permit from another state.
How do I obtain a concealed weapons permit in your state?
It is possible to obtain a non-resident concealed weapons permit. This
process usually takes 60 days to complete. Applications may only be
made at a law enforcement agency in Washington State . For additional
questions or to obtain an application in advance contact the Washington
State Department of Licensing by visiting their Web site at http://www.dol.wa.gov/ppu/firfront.htm.
What
are considered Dangerous Weapons and what are the penalties for
carrying one?
For information on these types of weapons and penalties for possession,
please refer to RCW
Title 9, Chapter 9.41.
Additional State and Federal Resource Links For Further Information:
Department of Licensing
Firearms Program
Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms FAQs
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms -
Seattle Field Office Contact Number: (206)
389-6800
What
are the DUI laws and fines in Washington?
The new .08% blood alcohol took effect January 1, 1999. See Traffic
Safety.
Where
can I find Washington's laws and codes on the Internet?
For specific laws that people often request from the State Patrol, check
the Revised Code of Washington
(RCW). If you do not find what you need, Access Washington maintains
a Web page with links to
laws, codes and a search
feature. You may wish to explore the information
they provide.
For more information
on the law, see RCW
46.61.687
and RCW
46.61.688
.
What is the
fine for failure to or improperly use or wear a seat belt or child safety
restraint device?
The fine is $112.
Can I be issued
a (Notice of Infraction) ticket for no seat belt if a person in my car
is over 16?
No. The driver of a vehicle is only responsible for ensuring all
persons 15 and under are properly secured in a seat belt or other safety
restraint device as required by law. All persons age 16 and over may
be issued a separate Notice of Infraction.
I have an
older vehicle. Is it required to have a seat belt?
- Every vehicle
manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1965, shall be equipped
with at least two lap-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front
seating positions.
- Every passenger
car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped
with a lap-type safety belt assembly for each permanent passenger
seating position.
- Every passenger
car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped
with at least two shoulder harness-type safety belt assemblies for
use in the front seating positions.
- Every pickup
manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1972, shall be equipped
with safety belts.
- Rule of thumb:
If your vehicle was originally equipped with safety belts, they must
be in good working order and must be used.
Do persons in a camper or motor home have to wear safety belts?
Persons in the driving compartment must use proper restraints. Persons
in the living area should use restraints if there are restraints available. If my seat belt has a separate lap and shoulder belt, do I have
to use both? Yes.
Can my child or other person ride in the bed of my pickup?
Yes, provided there are no seats available in the cab. If adults are
occupying the passenger seats, they are required to ride in the back
so children can ride in the cab.
Washington does not have a law that prevents persons from riding in
pickup beds. However, the seat belt law does require that all passenger
positions with safety belts be utilized. Example: If there are five
seating positions in the pickup and there are only two adults in the
passenger compartment but three other persons in the pickup bed, the
driver (depending on the age of the persons in the pickup bed) could
be issued a Notice of Infraction.
Does a Notice of Infraction for violation of the seat belt law go
on my driving record?
Yes, but it is not made available to insurance companies. This violation
is like any other Notice of Infraction. If it is not taken care of properly,
your license will be suspended for fail to appear.
Are there any exemptions to the seat belt law?
Yes, a driver or passenger who possesses written verification from a
licensed physician that the driver or passenger is unable to wear a
safety belt for physical or medical reasons does not have to wear the
safety belt.
I have a child who is one year old but is less than twenty pounds.
Does the child need to remain in a rear-facing infant seat?
Washington law states the child can be one year or twenty pounds. However,
the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the child remain rear-facing
until at least one year and twenty pounds.
I have a child who is more than 1 year old but less than 4 years
old and weighs less than 40 pounds but more than 20. How should I secure
my child in the vehicle?
Washington law requires these children to be properly restrained in
a forward-facing child safety seat restraint system. The American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends the child be kept in the convertible seat as
long as they fall within the height/weight recommendations for the seat.
When should I use a booster seat?
Washington law requires a child who is less than 8 years of
age or 4'9" tall
(which ever comes first) be properly restrained in a child
booster seat when both lap and shoulder belts are available.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends booster seats,
used in conjunction with lap/shoulder belts, be used until the
child is 8 years old unless the child is 4'9".
If you answer "NO" to any of the following questions, your child is
safer in a booster seat:
1. Do
the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
2. Does the child sit with hips all the way back against the
auto seat?
3. Is the lap belt on the top part of the thighs?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
Are children under the age of 13 required to ride in the back seat?
Yes, the driver of a vehicle transporting a child who is under thirteen years old shall transport the child in the back seat positions in the vehicle where it is practical to do so. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,
children under 12 are safer in the back seat regardless of the presence
of a passenger side air bag.
Should I use age or weight to determine the safest way to restrain my child?
Most experts agree that size is more important than age.
I am too large for my seat belt. What can I do?
Seat belt extenders are available for most domestic vehicles for a fee.
Take the information on the seat belt label along with your vehicle
to the parts department of your local dealer. Extenders are not interchangeable,
so go to the dealer for your particular vehicle. If you have trouble
getting service from the dealer, try another dealer or call the customer
assistance number listed in your owner's manual. Check your owner's
manual for an explanation of these seat belt systems.
Why aren't school buses required to have seat belts?
See the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web site for the answer
to this question.
If a person is sitting in a ferry line in their car waiting for
a ferry will they be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt?
No, they will not be ticketed.
When did
the primary offense enforcement of the seat belt law and child passenger
restraint law go into effect?
June 13, 2002 - Primary enforcement law
July 1, 2002 - Child passenger restraint law
For more information
on the law, see RCW
46.61.687
and RCW
46.61.688
.
Other miscellaneous information:
- One person per
belt.
- Keep lap belts
low and snug across the thighs.
- Do not place
the shoulder portion of the seat belt behind your back or under the
arm. This prevents the seat belt from working properly.
- Always use a
seat belt, even if you have an air bag.
- Always replace
a child's car seat if it has been involved in a collision.
- Child safety
seats are found to reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants (less
than 1 year of age) and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars.
- Using lap and shoulder
belts reduces the risk of fatal injury to occupants in the front seat of passenger
cars by 45% and moderate to critical injuries by 50%.
For more information about child safety restraints, child seat clinics,
seat belts, and air bags, you can contact the following organizations:
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