Congratulations New Jersey!
As a born and raised New Yorker, that’s not something I say all the time. In fact, rarely do I say it (though the state did produce my husband and stepfather). However, in this case congratulations and kudos are due.
New Jersey has become the first state in the nation to pass a law requiring that all children under age two years who are less than 30 pounds be rear facing. Read the full text of the law here.
This law will go into effect on 9/1/15.
In addition, all children under four years who weigh less than 40 pounds must ride in a harnessed seat.
All children under eight years old who are shorter than 57 inches (4’9”) must use a harnessed or booster seat.
All children under eight must ride in the rear seat of the car when there is one available.
Hopefully more states will follow. California is working on AB 53, which would require all children under two years old, under 40 pounds, or under 40 inches to ride rear facing. Michigan tried last year to pass Senate Bill 1135, which would have required a two-year minimum age for a child to ride forward facing, but it died in the legislative session.
Lead the way, New Jersey!
