MoDOT launches Web site for new booster seat law

Nevada Daily Mail

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Department of Transportation has easy-to-find online answers for Missouri's new booster seat law.

Parents and drivers who transport children can visit MoDOT's Web site at www.modot.org/boosterseats to learn more about the law and what it means to them.

The new law went into effect on Aug. 28, and requires children ages 4 through 7 to be in a booster seat. It also states that children 8 years old and older or weighing at least 80 pounds or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall should be secured by a safety belt or booster seat appropriate for that child. The fine for violating this law is $50 plus court costs.

The Booster Seat page features simple explanations of the law, audio public service announcements and printable brochures that offer tips and advice on keeping children safe in vehicles.

The printable brochure titled, "Sit Tight. Tips for Avoiding Crashes and Injuries," gives visitors explanations on the different types of booster seats and how they should be used. A pamphlet called "7 out 10 Kids" discusses the law in terms any parent or guardian will understand.

A direct link to the statute wording is also provided on the site.

Other resources available include a link to www.boosterseat.gov that offers an online calculator to help visitors determine if their child will require a booster seat.

The site also contains contact information for the Missouri SAFE KIDS Coalition, an organization which can help eligible parents find and properly install booster seats.