FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
May 7, 2003
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Erickson: New Child Car Seat Law Remains in Effect
No measure has been passed to delay
implementation.
Harrisburg – State Senator Ted Erickson (R-26) is reminding motorists
and school administrators that a new state law governing the use of
child safety restraints in vehicles remains in effect.
The new law has been in effect since February 21, he said. No bill
has been passed to delay its implementation.
"Some school administrators have been confused by reports that
implementation of the law might be delayed and have contacted my
office," said Erickson. "To be clear: the law is in effect. A bill was
introduced to delay implementation, but it has not been passed."
The General Assembly has not approved a proposal that would delay
implementation of the new rules to give parents and schools more time to
comply. Senate Bill 274 is awaiting action in the House of
Representatives.
"If anything changes, we'll make sure it is publicized. But for now,
the new child safety rules are in effect," said Erickson.
Under the new law:
- Age-appropriate safety or booster seats must be used for children
up to age 8, as opposed to age 4.
- Children between ages 8 and 18 must be secured with a seatbelt
whether they ride in the front or back seat.
- Failure to properly secure children in safety seats could result
in fines of up to $100.
Pennsylvania's old child safety seat law allowed children between
ages 4 and 7 to ride in the back seat unsecured. The new rules change
that. Also, they reflect the fact that many children under the age of 8
are too small to be secured with a seatbelt without a booster seat.
Erickson said that State Police will check child safety seats and
determine if they are installed correctly at the following Child Safety
Seat Inspection Stations (call for appointment):
- Delaware County: Troop K in Media, on the 2nd Wednesday of
the month, between noon-3 p.m. Call for appointment (484) 840-1000.
- Chester County: Troop J in Avondale, on the 3rd Thursday of the
month, 3p.m. - 6 p.m. Call for appointment (610) 436-2092.
- Chester County: Troop J in Embreeville, on the 2nd Friday of the
month, 9 a.m. – noon. Call for appointment (610) 486-0300.
- Philadelphia: Troop K in Belmont, on the 1st Wednesday of the
month, 9 a.m. – noon. Call for appointment (215) 560-6200.
CONTACT: Chuck McDonald (717)
