Parents, a new state law goes into affect next week you need to know about.

Starting Tuesday, all children must be in a child safety seat until their 8th birthday.

Action News reporter Gabe Osterhout has the story.

New York state wants to keep children safe while they are riding in a car.

Starting Tuesday, any child under the age of 8 must be in an appropriate child safety seat while traveling.

"Research shows if you put a young child in a seat belt too early, they're more likely going to suffer severe injuries to the brain, spleen, liver, spinal cord as opposed to if they're in an appropriate child restraint," Muss says.

Children come in all shapes and sizes.

What happens if you're child is not yet 8, but is big for their age and can't fit in a seat?

Muss says the new law can be a case by case basis.

"Children are getting heavier and are taller at a younger age so best practice, is if the child is over 4 feet 9, over 100 pounds, there aren't car seats right now that are appropriate for those children so at that point, yes, the child can be in a safety belt," Muss says.

Having the seat for your child is one thing.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder says making sure the seat is properly installed is also important.

"A lot of people just put them in there and strap their kid in with a seat belt and that's it they think but the seat has to be properly installed," Harder says.

A practice to keep your child safe, while you're behind the wheel.

In Binghamton, Gabe Osterhout, WBNG-TV Action News.

Drivers not complying with the law can face a 25 to 100 dollar fine and 3 points on their driving record.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office and Health Department will hold a child safety seat check on December 9th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

It's by appointment only.

To make an appointment, call 778-2807