As of July 1, 6- and 7-year-olds will have to be restrained in an approved booster seat while riding in most motor vehicles -- unless they are 4 feet, 9 inches or taller. There is no exemption based on the weight of a child, only the height.
Previously, children 6 and under had to be in a booster seat or child safety seat, while older kids could simply use a seat belt.
And 4 foot 9 is "not a magic number," Sewell said. Ideally, to not use a booster seat, the child's feet should be firmly on the floorboard, and the child should be slid all the way to the back of the seat. Knees also need to be able to bend.
The new law comes with penalties of $50, and one point on your driver's license, for the first offense, and $100, and two points, for the second offense.
For those who are caught violating the law by not having 6- or 7- year-olds in a booster, there will be a temporary grace period, through Jan. 1.
The fine and license points will be waived if the driver shows the court that they have obtained the proper booster seat between the time of the citation and the court date.
There are a few exceptions. A child over 40 pounds doesn't have to be in a booster if the vehicle only has lap belts, or if every other seat with shoulder belts is being used to restrain other children. All children under age 8 must ride in the back seat of a vehicle, unless there is no back seat, or the back seat is full of other children who are properly restrained.
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