Ridgefield Park Police Department
Traffic Bureau

201-641-4950 ext. 156

A state law in effect December 1, 2001 sets the following rules for children riding in motor vehicles other than school buses:

• Infants up to 1 year old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
  
• Children 1 to 4 must be in a forward-facing car seat.
  
• Children 5 to 7 who weigh less than 80 pounds must be secured in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.
  
• Children 8 to 17, or those heavier than 80 pounds, must wear a safety belt, no matter where they’re sitting in the car.
  
• All children under 8 must sit with proper restraints, in the back seat, unless the vehicle doesn’t have a back seat or other children are already sitting there.
  
• Penalties range from $10 to $25 per violation, per child. (39:3-76-2a)
• Sgt. McEntee is a trained child seat technician. If you have any questions regarding the proper installation and use of your child's car seat, please call to make an appointment.

Existing state statute (39:3-76-2f) enumerates the the driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle are required to be securely buckled. This is a primary violation, meaning a police officer may stop you solely for not wearing a seat belt. So be safe and wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers do too!

Ridgefield Park Police Department Traffic Bureau

(201) 641-4950 Ext. 156