5 Step Test

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5-Step Test/Safety Belt Fit Test

For the 5-Step/Safety Belt Fit Test, ask your child to get ready for a "pretend" ride in your vehicle. Test all children under the age of 13 (because it's the law) to ensure they are riding safely in the car. After he or she buckles up, try this simple test.

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?

YES______ NO______

2. Does the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?

YES______ NO______

3.    Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm (should NOT lie on the face or neck)?
        NOTE: NEVER place the should belt under the arm or behind the child's back!

       YES______            NO______

4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?

YES______ NO______

5. Can your child stay seated this way for the entire trip (no slouching and leave the seat belt in the correct position)?

YES______ NO______

If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, your child NEEDS a booster seat to ride safely in a vehicle. They must meet all 5 requirements above and meet the legal requirements to no longer ride in a booster seat.

Click here for the official Washington's Child Restraint Law.
Click here for a Flyer on Washington's Child Restraint Law (a little easier to understand).
Click here for more information and tips on Booster Seats.

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701 Vine Street * Kelso WA 98626 * 360.578.5218
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding legal holidays)

5-Step Test/Safety Belt Fit Test

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