Ohio booster seat law now in effect

10/7/2009

COLUMBUS — Motorists violating Ohio's new child booster seat law will receive warnings, not fines, for the first six months.

The law in effect as of Wednesday requires that most children ages 4 through 7 use a federally approved booster seat when riding in cars in Ohio.

Safety advocates say the boosters prop up kids so seat belts fit them properly.

When the grace period ends and full enforcement of the law begins in April, a first offense can bring a fine of up to $75. But police can write a citation only after stopping a driver for another reason.

Ohio is one of the last states to enact a booster seat law. The National Transportation Safety Board says Arizona, Florida and South Dakota are now the only states that don't require boosters.