Child restraint law revised

Published July 29, 2008
By 81st Security FOrces Squadron and legal office

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- As of July 1, Mississippi law now requires children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old to be at least 4 feet 9 inches tall or weigh more than 65 pounds to ride in a vehicle without being in a booster seat.

"Seven-year-olds aren't required to be restrained with the aid of booster seat, regardless of height or weight. Four, five, and six-year-olds will have to be protected with the aid of a booster seat if they are either less than 4 feet 9 inches or less than 65 pounds," said Maj. Joseph Musacchia, 81st Security Forces Squadron commander. "For violations of this law, my Airmen can write a citation, which carries a $25 fine."

If more than two children who are required by law to use a booster seat are being transported in a vehicle at one time, and the vehicle only has two lap and shoulder belts in the rear seat, then only the two children sitting in the seats with the lap and shoulder belts are required to use a belt-positioning booster seat system and safety belt. Any other children may be restrained with a safety seat lap belt.