On July 1 of this year, if a child from the age of 4 to 7 is being transported in a passenger vehicle, that child must be in a “booster seat” when traveling. (Click on the “booster seat” text to go directly to the legislation passed this year.) There additional height and weight recommendations in addition to the age ranges. The change in the child restraint section of the mandatory seat belt law was supported by the Highway Patrol and sponsored by the Mississippi Pediatric Doctors Association. The goal is to clearly protect the lives of these young children in the event of an accident. A violation of this new statute carries the same $25 fine that accompanies the other seatbelt violations. To any parents out there reading this, remember - BUCKLE UP THOSE BABIES, and that includes that precious cargo who is between the ages of 4 an 7. Buckle Up Mississippi - it’s proven to save lives!