Is Your Child Ready for a Seat Belt?

Utah Law: Children must use a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old.
The 4’9″ Rule: Safety experts recommend staying in a booster until the child is at least 4’9″ tall (the height at which most adult seat belts finally fit correctly).
Back Seat is Safest: Children under 13 should always sit in the back seat.

Interactive Seat Belt Fit Guide

The “Seat Belt Fit Test”

Before moving your child from a booster seat to a seat belt, they must pass this 5-step test:

Back against the seat: Child’s back sits flush against the seat.
Knees bend at the edge: Knees bend naturally at the seat’s edge.
Lap belt location: Lap belt sits low on hips, NOT on stomach.
Shoulder belt location: Shoulder belt sits on collarbone and NEVER under the arm or behind the back.
Stay in position: Seat belt stays in position for the entire ride.

If they fail any step: Put them back in a booster seat and try again in a few months.

Never "Share" Belts: Never put two children in one seat belt.
Wear it Properly: Never put the shoulder belt behind a child's back or under their arm. This can cause severe internal injuries in a crash.
Belts on Buses: Large school buses (over 10,000 pounds GVWR) distribute crash forces differently than cars, resulting in lower crash forces for occupants. These buses protect passengers using "compartmentalization," a system of strong, closely-spaced seats with energy-absorbing backs.

If a child under 13 must sit in the front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible away from the airbag.

Give them a "job": Make them the "Seat Belt Police" to check if adults are buckled.

Provide distractions: Give them a toy or activity that keeps their hands busy.

Consistent consequences: If they unbuckle, safely pull over and stop the car until they are buckled again.