Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition
Alaska Booster Seat Law
NEW ALASKA BOOSTER SEAT LAW (Sept. 17, 2009)

CHILDREN OVER 4YRS OLD AND UNDER 8 YRS OLD (WHO ARE UNDER 4'9" OR LESS THAN 65 LBS.) SHALL BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN AN APPROVED BOOSTER SEAT OR CAR SEAT.

A seat belt alone is not enough to be safe or to comply with the Alaska law.

At eight years old the proper restraint system is to be determined by the driver.

Best Practice:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Office (NHTSA) recommends children continue to use a booster seat until they reach the height of 4'9", which is when a seat belt (seat belts are designed to fit an adult body) fits at the upper thighs and between the shoulder and neck.

If your child turns eight years old and you are not sure if he/she is ready for using a seat belt alone - try The 5 Step Booster Test:

  1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
  2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the front edge of the auto seat?
  3. Does the shoulder belt cross between the shoulder and neck?
  4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
  5. Can the child stay seated comfortably like this for the entire trip?
IF YOU ANSWER "NO" TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOUR CHLD NEEDS A BOOSTER SEAT TO RIDE SAFLY IN THE CAR.
  • With a booster seat children are 59% less likely to be injured in a car crash.
  • Kids like boosters because they are more comfortable and can see out of the window.