Nebraska Car Seat Laws & Safety

Child safety has come a long way. Car seats are a good example of how things have changed. When I was a kid, no one used car seats. My parents knew it was dangerous to have us unrestrained, but very few child safety seats were on the market then, and it was not the law that we needed them. It is now Nebraska state law that all children must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat, and these seats are now readily available.

Understanding Nebraska Car Seat Laws

The Nebraska child passenger safety law outlines how children must be secured in a motor vehicle:

Primary Enforcement — Drivers Can Be Stopped and Ticketed If:

  • Children 5 years and under are not riding in federally approved child safety seats

  • Children under 18 years old are riding in cargo areas

  • A childcare provider is not transporting all children securely in appropriate child safety restraint systems

Secondary Enforcement — Ticketed If Pulled Over for Another Offense:

  • Persons of any age in the front seat are not using a seat belt

  • Children aged 6–18 are not properly restrained in an appropriate seat belt system

  • Any passengers are not secured, and the driver holds a provisional or school permit

The Impact of Proper Car Seat Use in Nebraska

According to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2006, 16 children were killed and 1,656 injured on Nebraska roads. Proper use of child car seats can significantly reduce these numbers.

The National Safe Kids Campaign reports:

  • Car seats reduce the risk of death by 71% in infants

  • A 54% reduction in death risk for children aged 1–4

  • 69% fewer hospitalizations in children aged 4 and under

Car Seat Installation in Nebraska: Why It Matters

When certified car seat inspectors check installations, they find that up to 89% of car seats are installed incorrectly. With so many models available, it’s essential to:

  • Carefully read both the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner manual

  • Ensure your child is latched in snugly and is facing the correct direction

To support child passenger safety, Nebraska offers car seat check-up events. To find locations and times, call 1-800-745-9311.

Best Practices by Age and Size: Safe Kids Recommendations

General Guidelines for All Car Seats

  • Children should always ride in the rear seat, especially if there’s a front-seat airbag

  • Straps should be snug — you shouldn’t be able to pinch the strap

  • The car seat should move less than one inch at the restraint path

  • Check for recalls and register your child safety seat for updates

  • Avoid used car seats and replace any that have been in an accident

Infants Under 1 Year and Less Than 20 Pounds

  • Always use a rear-facing car seat suited for size and age

Children Over Age 1 and 20–40 Pounds

  • Should remain rear-facing as long as possible if allowed by the seat

  • Rear-facing provides superior protection during collisions

Children Over 40 Pounds and Less Than 4’9″

  • Should ride in a booster seat with lap and shoulder belts

  • Lap belt should lie low on the hips; the shoulder belt should rest across the shoulder

Children Over 4’9″ and 80 Pounds

  • Use a standard seat belt with lap and shoulder belt

  • Ensure the belt fits properly; continue using a booster seat if it doesn’t

Final Thoughts on Child Car Seat Safety

The most important takeaway about child passenger restraint systems is that they save lives — but only when used correctly and consistently.

We strongly encourage all parents to:

  • Carefully read installation instructions

  • Have car seats inspected by a certified technician

  • Use resources like local hospitals, clinics, or Safe Kids Nebraska

The Best Car Seat

The best car seat is the one that:

  • Fits your child’s size and weight

  • Fits your vehicle properly

  • Is used every time your child rides