Oklahoma's Child Passenger Safety Law
The OSDH recommends that parents and caregivers ensure their child’s restraint system meets the following criteria to be in compliance with child passenger safety laws:
- Children under age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- Why you should keep your toddler rear-facing until 2 years old (YouTube Video)
- Rear-facing is the safest way for small children to travel, and they should remain rear-facing until they reach 2 years of age or until they exceed the height or weight limit of the car seat.
- Riding rear-facing with legs bent or against the back of the seat is a safe and comfortable position for children. This position best protects their head, neck and spinal cord in the event of a crash.
- All children under age 4 must be properly secured in a car seat with an internal harness.
- A 5-point harness is the safest restraint system and should be used as long as possible (until the child exceeds the harness’ weight limit).
- Children under age 8 must ride in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat unless they are taller than 4’9”.
Children taller than 4’9” or over age 7 should always be restrained in a seat belt. Riding in the back seat of the vehicle is the safest way for children to travel.
