When staff transports a child by vehicle, the child must be properly secured by a seat belt, according to Texas law governing passenger safety for children.

Before using a car seat, staff transporting the child must ensure that the car seat meets all of the following requirements:

• Is in good working condition.
• The current date is not after the expiration date on the car seat.
• Has not been recalled for a defect or safety reason.
• Is properly installed in the vehicle.

Staff does not transport the child in a car seat that does not meet these requirements.

If a vehicle has child car door locks on the rear doors, the locks must be engaged and in the lock position.

Staff must follow Texas Transportation Code §545.412 for the age and height requirements for a child to be secured in a car seat.

More information about safely transporting a child is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety Program.