On January 6, 2009, Governor Ted Strickland signed into law a revision of the state’s child passenger safety law to require booster seats for children too big for car seats but too small for seat belts alone.  The law takes effect on October 7, 2009.  To help parents and caregivers keep up with these changes, we’re providing you with this brief overview of Ohio’s child passenger safety law (ORC 4511.81) as it applies to children of different ages and heights.

CAR SEATS for children < 4 years of age AND < 40 pounds in weight Children must be in properly used child restraints, in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, until they hit BOTH of these milestones.
BOOSTER SEATS for children > 4 years of age AND < 4'9" in height OR < 8 years in age Children who no longer meet the requirements for car seats must be properly secured in booster seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, until they reach either the age OR height milestone. Booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belts.  Never allow children to place the shoulder harness under the arm or behind the back.
SEAT BELTS for children > 8 years in age OR > 4'9" in height AND < 15 years of age Children must be properly restrained in EITHER seat belts OR child restraint systems that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards (in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions).   After 15 years of age, motor vehicle occupants are covered by Ohio’s Safety Belt Law (ORC 4513.263), which requires all drivers and front seat passengers to properly wear seat belts.  (When teens are driving, all front and rear seat passengers must be restrained.)