There are several exemptions in many State laws that leave children unprotected in vehicles. 8 In nearly half of the States, children can ride unsecured if all safety belts are in use. This means that if a vehicle is overcrowded and other occupants are using all of the safety belts, nobody can be cited if children are unbelted. Another common exemption allows parents, guardians, or other adults to “attend to the personal needs of the child.” This exemption permits an adult to carry a child on his or her lap, while the vehicle is in motion, for.
