Seat belts and children

Infants and Small Children

All 50 states have child restraint laws that require children to travel in approved child restraint systems, including child seats. The age at which seat belts may be used instead of child restraints varies by state, so you should know the specific requirements in your state and where you are traveling. Infant and child restraints must be properly placed and installed in the rear seat. For more information, see "Child Restraint Systems" in this chapter.

WARNING

ALWAYS properly secure infants and small children in a child restraint suitable for the child's height and weight. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death to the child and other occupants, NEVER hold a child on your lap or in your arms while the vehicle is moving. The strong forces created during a crash will tear the child from your arms and throw the child inside the vehicle.

Small children are best protected from injury in a crash when properly secured in the rear seat with a child restraint system that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Before purchasing a child restraint system, make sure it has a label certifying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. The seat must be suitable for your child's height and weight. For this information, see the label on the child restraint. See "Child Restraint Systems" in this chapter.

Older children

Children under 13 years old who are too large for a booster seat should always ride in the rear seat and use the available lap/shoulder belts.

The seat belt must pass across the upper thighs and fit snugly over the shoulder and chest to securely hold the child. Check the belt fit periodically.

If the child squirms, the belt may come out of position. Always have the LATCH system inspected by your authorized HYUNDAI dealer after a crash. A crash may damage the LATCH system and fail to secure the child restraint properly.

If a larger child over 13 years old must sit in the front seat, the child must be securely restrained by the available lap/shoulder belt, and the seat must be moved to the rearmost position.

If part of the shoulder belt contacts the child's neck or face, try moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still contacts their face or neck, the child should be returned to an appropriate booster seat.

WARNING

• Always make sure children are buckled up and properly adjusted before driving.
• NEVER allow the shoulder belt to touch the child's neck or face.
• Do not allow more than one child to use one seat belt.