8Mar/10Off
Toddler not in a Child Safety Seat?
Hi,
I live in Fairfax County, Virginia and would like to know what would happen if a Cop stops our car to find that my toddler was in my lap and there were 5 Adults in the car (me, my husband, parents, brother). So there is no room to put the child seat.
What is the rule? Is this an offense like speeding? Would I get a ticket? What would be the penalty?
Let me know. Thanks.
March 8th, 2010 - 11:58
it really depends on how the officer is feeling at the time. But definately you SHOULD get a ticket at least. You could even be charged with ” child endangerment”
March 8th, 2010 - 12:08
I sure hope you would get more than a ticket. Don’t do that again – that is considered a serious offense these days. Ever heard of child endangerment? They can take your kids away from you for that. You’ll have DHS breathing down your neck. Use your head next time!!!!!!!
March 8th, 2010 - 12:31
First offense $50.
Of course, the worst thing that could happen is that your thoughtlessness could kill your child.
Compared to that, a $50 isn’t really all that bad, is it?
March 8th, 2010 - 12:57
You would get ticket, and they will either take your child with them, or if the cop is nice, yhey will allow you to return home and come back with a seat. Always put your children in a car seat.
March 8th, 2010 - 13:48
hi first of all there are not enough seat belts for all the people that are in the car. I know in the state that I live in a child must be in a car seat ot booster. you don’t say how old the toddler is. You would get a ticket for what i don’t know for sure in your state.
March 8th, 2010 - 14:26
I am not in your state so am not sure on the law but I pretty sure you have to put your child in a car seat and the fine might be a big fee. But besides that point you as a parent have a responsiblity to protect your child. I know its hard to do sometimes. I know I have three babies 3 and under. I am not telling you what to do your to hurt your feelings, but if you were in an accident it just takes a second and they can be gone out of your life so keep that with you if the future I do. That is my worst fear. So you had couple people in your car will they are not as important then the one you gave birth to.
March 8th, 2010 - 15:06
You should get a ticket, and then some. I know there are times when more people need to travel than there are seats avaliable, but leaving anyone, especially a child unrestrained to fit more people in is asking for trouble. I had a friend, who left her babys restraint at home so another frind could come shopping on a girls day out, and held her child on her lap, and the child died when the car smashed into another at a set of lights. The driver was looking for her cigarettes, and didn’t see that the car in front had stopped. I can still see my friend (who wasn’t restrained herself) and her baby slamming into the windscreen just like the crash test. It was tragic, and all so one other person could fit. Any trip with an unrestrained child/passenger is not worth the fine or the risk of them being killed