5 pt. harness and the LAW???

[mkkrum]

There are rumors going around Ohio that the state is about to enact a law REQUIRING the use of a 5 pt harness in car seats. Anybody heard about this? Any idea where I might find out more information? We JUST ordered a 3 pt infant seat and don't want to get stuck with a barely used 3 pt and have to replace it with a 5 pt.

To be honest, it sounds weird. I mean, how can they require a particular TYPE of child restraint at a state level? But the nurses at the hospital are talking about it as well as the folks at the local baby stores. No one can prove the rumor to be true OR false. ARGH! Help!

[alandenisefields]

I haven't heard that. Any other readers out there in Ohio can confirm this story? I guess anything is possible---but NO safety studies say that a 3pt infant seat is any less safe than a 5 pt seat.

Let us know what you hear,
Alan & Denise Fields, Authors
BABY BARGAINS

[mkkrum]

Good News!!

The reponse I received from the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles Registrar:


I have received the answer to your question and it is as follows. If
you need further information on this matter, please contact Anita.

__________________________________________________ _

There is no federal or state law that requires the use of a 5 point
harness child safety seat. There are recommendations that the 5 point
harness system be used but that is left up to each individual parent
or buyer of the seat. They still have the option of a tray or T
shield, 3 point harness or tray shield.

The feds are over the next four years are requiring manufacturers of
automobiles to have a latch and tether system in new car builds to
make child safety seats compatible with the automobiles, but that has
only to do with securing the seat securely in the car. - Anita
>>> Lorrie Laing 11/09 9:04 AM >>>
Rebecca -

Anita Watkins is our occupant protection and child passenger safety
seat expert. She also has ties to the Statehouse from past work
experience. I've asked her to inverstigate this and get back to us.

Anita Watkins
OGHSR, Planner
466-3250

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rebecca M. Wharton, Executive Secretary
Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Registrar's Office
1970 West Broad Street, 5th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43223
614/752-7798 phone
614/752-7973 fax
[email protected]