Changes to the state's booster seat law affect all children under the age of 8 and can result in significant penalties for adults if not followed.

Effective July 1, all children under the age of 8 must be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat while riding in passenger vehicles, vans and pick-up trucks.

The seat must be in the rear, be appropriate for the child's height and weight, meet all federal standards and be installed correctly, according to manufacturer's instructions.

There are exemptions. Children under the age of 8 but who are over 4-feet-9-inches tall, or if there is a medical condition that prevents the child from being restrained as required, are exempt from the law.

However, children under the age of 8 and weighing at least 40 pounds are not exempt from the law. They may use a lap belt only (instead of a booster or car seat) when the vehicle is not equipped with lap and shoulder belts, or all seating positions with lap and shoulder belts are being used to restrain other children. In this case, the placement of car seats/booster seats should be evaluated to determine if they can be repositioned to provide the best protection for all children being transported.

Violations of this law will result in a fine of not more than $50 for the first conviction, along with one point assessed against the violator's driver's license. The second (and subsequent) convictions will result in fines not to exceed $100 and two points on the violator's license.