When it comes to almost all parenting issues, I say to each their own. I've said that numerous times on facebook and in various blogs I keep. As long as the kid is safe, loved and well cared for, I don't care how you go about it. However, I am very adamant about car seat safety. It goes with keeping your child safe.
I have first hand experience in what can happen if someone is improperly restrained in a vehicle. I have seen the grim outcome more times than I'd care to remember. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend rear facing for as long as possible. As of right now, the law is to rear face until over 1 year AND over 20lbs in every state. In the near future that law will probably change as the laws generally follow whatever the AAP recommends. The fear of a ticket shouldn't be what makes you keep rear facing though. The fact that there is a very good chance your kid will suffer irreparable spinal damage, if not death, from as much as a 20mph accident should be reason enough. Keep your kids safe people, it's your duty as a parent. There are no excuses for not following the minimum legal requirements of 1yr and 20lbs.
