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Today's news and the lighted signs along our Houston highways these weekend remind us not only to "click it or ticket" and "Seat belts all the time, all riders, every ride" is not only a new campaign to remind Houston area drivers to wear their seat belts but could also be kicking off the new year of seat belt laws for our children too.

Last September a series of new laws regarding drivers and riders in Texas including laws regarding cell phone and texting while driving as well as new laws regarding booster seat use. The law regarding booster seats gave parents a "grace period" where from Sept. 1, and June 1, parents could obtain the booster seat they needed for their children. Warnings were issued. But starting today parents will no longer receive warnings but tickets, fines and possibly even greater prosecution for not having their children in a booster car seat.

What is the new child safety /booster/car seat law in Texas?

The Texas Department of Safety (DPS) says "safety or booster seats and safety vests must be installed according to instructions of manufacturers, including age, height, weight requirements and proper placement in the vehicle."

Children under the age of 8 and 4 feet 9 inches should be in a properly installed booster car seat. There has been some confusion over this new law and the DPS issues this helpful guide regarding booster seat laws.

Once a child reaches eight (8) years old, they are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.

If the child is younger than eight years old, BUT they are already 4 9 tall, they are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.

If a child is eight years old or older, and not yet 4 9 tall, they are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.

Fines may range from $25.00 to $250.00 for violating the booster seat law.

Why do booster seats need to be used?

According to DPS regular lap belts allow children to slump and during an accident they are susceptible to injuries and death that being in a booster seat may be able to avoid. In a statement to the Houston Chronicle State Rep. Ellen Cohen, a Houston legislator whose district includes the Texas Medical Center and who co- authored the companion bill in the Texas House, says, "In car crashes where children are restrained by only an adult seat, they are more likely to suffer severe head, spinal cord and internal injuries, she said. It's just that one moment that can change a person's entire life."

To find out if your child is ready to be without the booster seat use this simple test by the DPS.

Have your child sit on the vehicle seat, sitting all the way back, with their back straight against the back of the seat, and buckle the lap/shoulder belt over them.

1. Do their legs bend naturally at the knees over the edge of the seat?

2. Does the lap portion of the belt fit low over the hips and top of their thighs?

3. Does the shoulder portion of the belt fit across the center of their chest?

For children that will be "going back" to car seats with these booster seat laws consider buying backless booster seat which will raise them up to the height needed for lap belt safety.

Find out more about why your child should be in a booster seat, booster seat options, and how to install a booster seat with this helpful video.