(WFLA/CNN Newsource) – Some pre-teens will have to ride in booster seats in Washington state.
Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1012 on Friday.
The new law requires children under 12-years-old and shorter than 4’9” to sit in booster seats so seat belts can properly fit them.
The measure cites recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Children under 13 are also required to sit in the back seats of the vehicle.
The new law says children younger than 2 must remain in rear-facing car seats until they met specifications set by seat manufacturers.
Children between 2 and 3 can be in forward-facing car seats until they meet specifications for a booster seat.
Drivers found to be in violation of the new law can be ticketed.
Buses, for-hire vehicles and certain shuttles are exempt.
The law officially goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
