In compliance with Oregon legislation, it is obligatory to securely confine any child under the age of 2 in a rear-facing car seat until they surpass the stipulated height or weight established for such seating arrangements.
Children weighing less than 40 pounds must be securely fastened in a car seat with a separate harness device.
This is obtainable in a forward-facing or rear-facing device until they reach the height or weight limit specified for the forward-facing seat.
If you live in Oregon or plan to drive across the state in the foreseeable future with your kid. Then, you must learn the updated Oregon car seat laws and comprehend their ramifications for your family.
This article covers Oregon car seat laws in 2023 and simplifies them for easy understanding.
Oregon Car Seat Laws Updated 2023
Oregon Car Seat Law on Forward-Facing
As per the legislation on forward-facing car seats in Oregon, children aged two or above and weighing 40 pounds or less must be securely restrained in a forward-facing seat equipped with a 5-point harness, ensuring that the harness strap rests at or above the child’s shoulder level.
There is no specific age requirement for forward-facing seats in Oregon, but a weight limit of 40 pounds.
But, it is recommended that your child continues using a forward-facing seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit specified by the seat’s manufacturer.
The responsibility for compliance with Oregon’s law on forward-facing child seats lies with the parent or legal guardian.
Non-compliance constitutes a Class D traffic violation. The potential fines range from a minimum of $65 to a maximum of $250.
Oregon Car Seat Law on Rear-Facing
The rear-facing car seat legislation in Oregon states that drivers must restrain children under 2 in a rear-facing car seat, taking care to avoid placing it in front of an active front seat airbag.
The recommended age range for rear-facing car seats in Oregon spans from newborns to 2 years.
But infants should remain in their rear-facing seats until they reach the maximum weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer.
Non-compliance with the rear-facing child seat law in Oregon constitutes a Class D traffic violation, subjecting offenders to fines. The minimum penalty is $65, while the maximum reaches $250.
The responsibility for ensuring the child’s secure confinement lies with the parent, legal guardian, or any individual who holds legal responsibility for the child’s safety and well-being while traveling.
Oregon Seat Belt Law for Children
Following the child seat belt legislation in Oregon, children under the age range of 8 to 16 years or surpassing a height of 4’9″ can use a seatbelt.
It is crucial that the seatbelt fits snugly across their lap and shoulders, and it must be worn in both the backseat and the front seat.
The provisions regarding children’s seat belts in Oregon do not include circumstances where a child is traveling in a car that does not legally possess seat belts. This means taxis and cars that are cleared not have seat belts by the federal legislation are exempted.
Also, children with medical or physical conditions that prevent them from using adult safety belts are exempt from these requirements. However, they must carry a certificate the Department of Transportation issued to validate their exemption.
The duty of complying with the seat belt regulations in Oregon lies upon the parents, guardian or caregiver of the child.
Neglecting to us a seat belt is classified as a Class D traffic infraction, warranting the imposition of fine. The minimum fine is $65, while the maximum is $250.
Oregon Child Seat Booster Law
Following Oregon’s child booster seat legislation, a 4’9″ or shorter child weighing over 40 pounds must be securely fastened in a booster seat.
The purpose of the booster seat is to elevate the child to ensure proper fitting of the seat belt, and you can choose between a high back or backless booster seat based on your specific needs.
While the recommended age for booster seat usage in Oregon is eight years, it is advisable to continue using a booster seat for your child until they surpass the height or weight limitations prescribed by the manufacturer.
Violations of the booster seat requirements in Oregon incur fines. The minimum penalty is $65, with a maximum fine of $250.
The presumptive fine for non-compliance is set at $115. Children physically or medically incapable of utilizing a car seat are exempt from these obligations.
They must possess an exemption certificate issued by the Oregon Director of Transportation, supported by a signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant elucidating the child’s condition.
Oregon Front Seat Law for Children
Oregon does not enforce a specific statutory requirement regarding keeping children in the front seat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocates keeping children seated in the rear seat until they reach the age of 13.
They recognize it as the preferable and safer course of action. Although Oregon does not specify an age requirement for the front seat, it is advisable to adhere to the recommendations provided by the State and the AAP.
When circumstances demand the presence of a child in the front seat, specific measures need to be implemented.
If the child is in a rear-facing seat, you must deactivate the airbag on the passenger side.
Ensure the child’s car seat aligns with their height and weight while adjusting the vehicle seat to maintain the maximum feasible distance from the airbag.
By following these requirements, you can ensure the complete safety of your child when traveling in the front seat.
Oregon Car Law on Leaving a Child in the Car
According to Oregon’s legislation leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is unlawful.
Deliberately subjecting a child under 10 to a period that presents a conceivable hazard to their welfare or physical condition is deemed reckless.
Any person that is responsible for that child or will get second-degree child neglect charges.
One of the predominant hazards linked to leaving a child unaccompanied in a vehicle is the possibility of heatstroke.
The temperature inside a vehicle can escalate swiftly, and due to children’s bodies heating up more rapidly than adults, they face a heightened susceptibility to heatstroke. Additional dangers include:
- The accidental movement of the vehicle.
- Entanglement in seat belts or power windows.
- Other potential in-car accidents.
Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle in Oregon constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a substantial fine of $6250.
Child Seat Replacement Law in Oregon
Oregon does not possess a definitive law mandating the replacement of child seats.
However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises the replacement of a child safety seat following an accident in Oregon.
In a moderate or severe collision, it is crucial to replace the seat promptly. Conversely, if the accident is of low impact, there is no immediate necessity to replace the car seat.
A low-impact crash refers to a scenario where no occupants sustain injuries, the car seat is undamaged by the nearest door, and no visible harm is evident on the car seat itself.
Beyond child seat replacement after an accident, replacing the seat upon its expiration is equally imperative.
Most manufacturers recommend discontinuing the use of a car seat beyond six years from the date of manufacture. Additionally, if the car seat has been subjected to a recall, it must be replaced accordingly.
Oregon Child Seat Law on Ride Sharing
Oregon lacks explicit legislation concerning child seat requirements in ridesharing vehicles.
According to Oregon’s car seat regulations, any child below the age of 8 and shorter than 4’9″ must be securely fastened in an appropriate child restraint system.
Violations of this regulation can lead to legal repercussions for the driver and the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Given the absence of a final provision, the driver or the child’s parents or caregivers should provide a suitable seat.
Infants should be positioned in a rear-facing car seat, while young children should occupy a forward-facing car seat.
As they outgrow the latter, transitioning to a booster seat is recommended until they attain sufficient size for the seat belt to fit them properly.
Therefore, before reserving a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, it is crucial to verify if the driver possesses a car seat or make suitable arrangements for one.
Related: Massachusetts Car Seat Laws 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements for using a car seat in Oregon?
According to Oregon’s car seat laws, children under eight must be securely restrained in an appropriate child restraint system.
It is essential to consider the specific height and weight requirements associated with the type of seat being utilized.
Are there any exceptions to the car seat requirements in Oregon?
Yes, exemptions exist within Oregon’s car seat laws. Children exceeding a height of 4’9″ or surpassing the weight limit specified by the manufacturer for a booster seat may be exempted from its usage.
Moreover, children facing medical or physical conditions that hinder car seat use may also be eligible for an exemption.
Can I use a second-hand car seat in Oregon?
While using pre-owned car seats in Oregon is not legally prohibited, exercising caution is strongly advised.
It is crucial to ascertain that the seat has not expired, has been involved in a previous accident, and possesses all requisite labels and instructions.
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