THE GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON SIGNED INTO LAW NEW CAR SEAT REQUIREMENTS IN APRIL 2019. THE NEW WASHINGTON STATE CAR SEAT LAWS TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2020. WASHINGTON’S NEW CAR SEAT LAWS ARE UPDATED TO ENSURE MAXIMUM SAFETY FOR CHILDREN.

It’s important to note up front. When states change laws like this, they aren’t trying to make parents or caregivers lives harder.  They are trying to put into law information that will make your family safer. The leading cause of death of children under 12 is car accidents. However, those deaths are preventable in many cases if proper car seat usage was applied always. 

***A Quick summary of the laws are provided at the bottom of this post.

What the new law says Section 1.1a–

A child under the age of two years must be properly secured in a child restraint system that is rear-facing until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer. A child may continue to be properly secured in a child restraint system that is rear-facing until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer, as recommended by the American academy of pediatrics.

What Section 1.1A means –

• Children under the age of two (2) MUST remain rearfacing until they hit the maximum height or weight of the car seat set by the car seat company.
• Once they hit two, if they are still not at the maximum height or weight, they can remain rearfacing (this is the safest way).
• Please note: Even for children at the top of height charts, it is very unlikely they max out height before age 2.

What the new law says Section 1.1b–

A child who is not properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system in accordance with (a) of this subsection and who is under the age of four years must be properly secured in a child restraint system that is forward-facing and has a harness until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer. A child may continue to be properly secured in a child restraint system that is forward-facing and has a harness until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer, as recommended by the American academy of pediatrics.

What Section 1.1b means –

• Once a child is over 2 years old OR hits the maximum weight or height of their car seat, they may be turned forward facing in a 5 point harness car seat.
• The child must remain harnessed in a forward facing seat until they are 4 years old or hit the weight or height limit of the car seat.
• Please note: Even for children at the top of height charts, it is very unlikely they max out height before age 4.

What the new law says Section 1.1c–

A child who is not properly secured in a child restraint system in accordance with (a) or (b) of this subsection and who is under four feet nine inches tall must be properly secured in a child booster seat. A child may continue to be properly secured in a child booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly, typically when the child is between the ages of eight and twelve years of age, as recommended by the American academy of pediatrics, or must be properly secured with the motor vehicle’s safety belt properly adjusted and fastened around the child’s body.

What Section 1.1c means –

• If your child in under 4’9″ (four foot, nine inches) and they have maxed out of the height or weight and are over 4 years old, they must continue to be secured in a child booster seat.
• A child can move out of a booster seat when over 4’9″ when a lap and shoulder belt fits properly.  Please reference the 5 step test to see if the belts fit properly.
• Please note: The law does not specific between a high back and no back booster seat.  It is best that child use a high back booster first, before moving to a no back booster.  Read up on the difference between no back and high back booster seats for reference.

What the new law says Section 1.1d and 1.1e–

These two sections just state that you must use a car seat or booster that complies with standards of the United States Department of Transportation and must be secured in the vehicle according to car seat company instructions.  To read the law, go here.

What the new law says Section 1.1f–

The driver of a vehicle transporting a child who is under thirteen years old shall transport the child in the back seat  positions in the vehicle where it is practical to do so.

What Section 1.1f means –

• Children under 13 years old must be in the back seat of a vehicle that has a backseat.

What the new law says Section 1.2–

This section says enforcement of the law is done by visual inspection by law enforcement. To read the law, go here.

What the new law says Section 1.3–

A person violating subsection (1) of this section may be issued a notice of traffic infraction under chapter 46.63 RCW. If the person to whom the notice was issued presents proof of acquisition of an approved child ((passenger)) restraint system or a child booster seat, as appropriate, within seven days to the jurisdiction issuing the notice and the person has not previously had a violation of this section dismissed, the jurisdiction shall dismiss the notice of traffic infraction.

What Section 1.3 means –

• If found in violation of the new car seat law, you could be given a traffic summons.
• If you can present proof of purchase of the correct child seat as defined in above sections within 7 days, they will dismiss the traffic ticket.
• Exception: If you have violated the law in the past, the violation will not be dismissed.

What the new law says Section 1.4–

• Failing to comply with this law cannot be used as abuse or neglect. To read the law, go here.

What the new law says Section 1.5–

This section does not apply to: (a) For hire vehicles, (b) vehicles designed to transport sixteen or less passengers, including the driver, operated by auto transportation companies, as defined in RCW 81.68.010, (c) vehicles providing customer shuttle service  between parking, convention, and hotel facilities, and airport terminals, and (d) school buses.

What Section 1.5 means –

• The law does not apply for vehicles such as:
  • taxis
  • passenger vans operated by auto transportation companies
  • shuttle services and
  • school buses

What the new law says Section 1.6 and 1.7–

Gives definitions about seats. To read the law, go here.

What the new law means Section 1.8a and 1.8b –

This section provides immunity from civil damages for certified current national child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) who practice inspecting child restraint systems.  It does not apply to CPSTs who are employed by retailers of car seats. To read the law, go here.

New sections added to the Washington State Car Seat Law bill

There are two sections of the bill that were added and not simply amended the previous law.  Those are sections 2 and 3.

Section 2 describes that the Washington state traffic safety commission is to put together and pass out informational and educational materials that explain how to use car seats in vehicles and the risks of not using car seats. It also is to include where one can get assistance in properly installing car seats and the legal penalties if you do not use a car seat.

Section 3 states that the law goes into effect on January 1, 2020.

To read the law, go here.

Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event is back from 4/22-5/4, 2019 and we are breaking down everything you need to know about the Target’s carseat trade-in event! 

The time has returned!  At least once a year Target does their carseat trade-in event! And it’s coming up quickly!  The next event will be held from April 22nd through May 4, 2019. Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event is one of their most beloved events for parents and there’s a good reason why!

Carseats are notoriously one of the most expensive things on the market when you have a child and usually you need at least two different ones as your child grows.  Plus, it’s one of the most important things that you are going to purchase.

Target originally introduced this event in 2016 and since then has recycled more than 500,000 carseats which equals more than 7.4 million pounds of material.

What Can I Take to Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event?

One of the top questions that we see are parents wondering what type of carseats Target will take for their trade-in event?  Target will take any:

• infant carseats (bucket seats)
• convertible carseats (carseats that allow rear and forward facing)
• harnessed carseats (seats with a 5-pt harness)
• high back booster seats
• no back booster seats
• bases

Can I trade in an expired carseat at Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event?

Yes! Target will take back any expired carseat at their trade in event.  Carseats expire, not to force you to buy a new one, but simple because the materials can wear down over time.  Most carseats have a 6-12 years expiration date on them, so they last for many years, but they do in fact expire and you definitely want to trade those in for a newer model.

Will they take a damaged carseat at Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event?

Yes!  If your carseat has any damage, whether from a car accident, left outside, food disaster and other mishap, Target will accept them during the trade-in event.

Where do I have to take my carseat for Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event?

You can take the carseat that you are trading in to your local Target location (make sure they are participating here first).  Once inside, there will be drop off bins located at Guest Services.

What is the benefit of trading in my old carseat at Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event?

If you bring a carseat to the Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event, you will be presented with a 20% off coupon. The coupon does not have to be used for a carseat only. The 20% off coupon can be used for a new carseat, base, travel system, stroller or other baby home gear.  According to Target’s website, baby home gear includes, high chairs, rockers and bouncers, playards, or swings.

The coupon is good in combination with other sales going on in the store, such as 10% off baby items, according to Target.

How long is the coupon good to use once I receive it?

You are able to use the 20% off coupon immediately upon receiving it.  It will expire on May 11, 2019. You are able to use the coupon online or in person.

What happens to the carseats that are turned in during Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event?

According to one site, all the recycled car seats taken during Target’s Carseat Trade-In Event are taken by Waste Management.  They then, make carpet padding, plastic buckets, and materials like steel beams for construction from the carseats. This is much better than any curbside pickup that your local trash pick up may do because typically the seats just end up in the landfill at that time.

More posts you may be interested in: 

Just because you are on a budget, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to maximize your limit for a great seat.  These four carseats are all under $100 and will allow most children to rearface until 2 years old. 

One in four parents are using their carseats incorrectly.  Read up on these 20 Common Car Seat safety mistakes!