Parents and caregivers: ensure children are buckled into the correct seat

Children are best protected in a vehicle when they are correctly buckled into the correct seat for their age and size. The Wisconsin State Patrol’s September Law of the Month reminds parents and caregivers to check their children’s car seats and booster seats for height and weight restrictions and ensure they are properly installed.
In 2025, a child under age 13 was injured or killed in a driving-related crash every five hours in Wisconsin. Proper seat belt and car seat use make a big difference in child safety when a crash occurs.
“Taking time to ensure children are buckled in the appropriate seat and the seat is correctly installed in the vehicle are simple ways to protect them on the road,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Drivers should also remember they are role models, and children will make a habit of buckling up when they see a parent or caregiver doing the same, every trip, no matter the distance.”
Approximately half of all car seats are not correctly installed, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Choosing the correct car seat for the child’s age and size and following the installation instructions in the car seat manual and vehicle owner’s manual will help keep children safe.
Seat belt use is required by law in Wisconsin for all vehicle drivers and passengers, including children. It is one of the best ways to prevent serious harm in the event of a crash.

According to Wisconsin law, children must ride in a:
• Rear-facing car seat until they are at least one year old and weigh 20 pounds
• Forward-facing car seat with a harness until they are at least four years old and weigh 40 pounds
• Booster seat until they are at least eight years old, weigh more than 80 pounds, or are taller than 4’9”

Moving children to the next type of car seat before they’re ready leaves them vulnerable in a crash. More car seat safety recommendations for various ages and sizes are available online.

Once the car seat is installed, be sure the child is safely secured with the harness every trip. In addition, register the car seat with the manufacturer to receive recalls and safety notices.

Free resources
Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 20-26, 2026. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) encourages all families to take this time to review best practices to keep their child safe.
National Seat Check Saturday is Sept. 26. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available in communities across Wisconsin to demonstrate how to use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts correctly. Car seat checks are also available by appointment.
Additional resources are available for parents on the Safe Kids Wisconsin and NHTSA websites, including frequently asked questions, car seat tips, and videos.

WisDOT encourages drivers and passengers of all ages to protect themselves and others by always wearing a seat belt and taking the Buckle Up, Phone Down pledge.