Trouble starts when parents are in a hurry and forget to buckle up the kids and their friends before they take off in the family car. An accident occurs, children can be hurt and personal injury liability claims result from the friends' parents.
The National Highway Safety Administration reminds us that North Carolina's "buckle up" laws for children are as follows:
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Child Restraint Required
7 yrs or under and under 80 lbs
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8-15 yrs or 40-80 lbs in seats without shoulder belts
Maximum Fine for 1st Offense
$25 + $188 court costs + points
And don't forget to buckle up yourself!