Function

• According to babycenter.com, a booster seat elevates the child so the car shoulder and lap belts are properly positioned across the child's torso. Without the booster seat, the vehicle's seat belts are too high and cross the child's neck and mid-belly where they can cause serious injury in the event of a crash.
  
  

Law

• According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, South Carolina requires children ages 1 through 5 years old and weighing between 40 and 80 pounds to ride in a booster seat secured to the vehicle by shoulder and lap belts. Safety belts alone are permitted only for children weighing more than 80 pounds or those 5 and younger whose knees bend over the seat edge when sitting straight up with their back pressed firmly against the back seat. Children should ride in the rear seat if space is available.
  
  

Noncompliance

• The GHSA reports that noncompliance with South Carolina law regarding the use of child safety seats is punishable by a fine of up to $150 for the first offense.