But beginning in July, drivers who don't have car seats for children age 8 or younger and less than 4 feet 9 inches, may be issued a verbal warning and given educational literature by a law enforcement officer. Even after Jan. 1, courts would dismiss charges against first-time violators if they show proof of purchasing a car seat. After that, drivers could be issued a moving traffic violation. Under the new rules, Florida's car seat law would be far more expansive than any other state, according to a review by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That review shows that children around the country usually have to be in car seats only up to ages 3 or 4.
Seat belts are permissible for older children.
In the state of Washington, booster seats generally will be required for children ages 4 and 5 or 40 to 60 pounds beginning in July 2002. Diane Jones, a project director for the American Automobile Association in Tampa, said that her organization generally favors the car seat legislation approved by the Senate but that the bill also poses some practical problems. Jones said AAA suggested to sponsors of the legislation that the age limit for car seats be 5, and the weight limit be 40 pounds, which federal standards do address. Parents want to protect their children, and they're doing what they think is right by putting kids in the back seat in a seat belt. St. Petersburg Times.