Child Safety Car Seat Laws and Regulations By States
Table of Contents
Infant Car seat laws and the stages in the United States
It is quite different in the United States to see that car seat laws are at the state level and that these laws vary from state to state. While at the federal level, safety standards are set for manufacturers to produce optimally safe car seats.
As a new parent, it is agreeably normal to be unaware of this, but here is a comprehensive guide that covers every infant car seat law from state to state.
Knowing these laws is important not only to new parents but also if you travel from state to state, you may have to be up to date with what is expected in another state, so you don’t be caught unawares.
The complete details of each state’s laws can be found in each of the links below according to the state name and are updated by 2022 standards.
Find Car State Laws for Each State
Overview of infant Car Seat Laws for Different Types of Car Seats
At the federal level, some laws and regulations guide the use of the different types of car seats at each stage of growth of your child, and that includes rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, booster seats, and laws on using seat belts.
If you are still finding it difficult, I covered how to choose a car seat for your newborn even when you are still pregnant.
Rear-Facing Car Seat Laws
According to the child passenger safety seat guidelines, parents are to give their baby their first ride from the hospital in a rear-facing car safety seat from 0 month to as long as possible. In some cases, your child can ride up to the upper limit of 4 years, depending on weight and height.
Here are what to note
- all infants must ride in a rear-facing car seat for a minimum of 2 years.
- A rear-facing car seat must never be used in the front passenger seat with an activated airbag. This is because if the airbag inflates, it can cause serious injury to your baby, worst case, death.
- An infant car seat should always ride in the back seat, and the center rear is the safest place for a car seat.
- Some car seat type permits 22-35 lbs., 26-35 in. for a rear-facing only seat; up to 40-50 lbs. for a convertible rear-facing and rear-facing all-in-one car seat.
- You should adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the weight and height limit for the car seat before transitioning to the next type.
- Do check the manual of your car seat to confirm yours.
Forward-Facing Car Seat Laws
The forward-facing car seats are for toddlers and preschoolers within the age of 4-8 years. This car seat type is for children who have outgrown the limit for their rear-facing car seat by height and weight.
- A forward-facing car seat should be installed in the rear seat and at the center, preferably.
- A forward-facing car seat with harness is to be used for your toddler.
- Follow the instruction according to your car seat manufacturer on the weight and height limit to transition your child.
- Do check the manual of your car seat to confirm yours.
Belt-positioning booster Seat Laws
The belt-positioning booster seat is for school-aged children between 9-12 years. This car seat type is for children who have exceeded the weight and height for the forward-facing car seat and may now ride in the booster seat until they can use a vehicle seat belt that fits their size correctly (usually from the age of 12 years).
- A booster seat should still be used in the back seat.
- The belt should be used while your child is in the car – that’s when the booster seat gets secured.
- Even if the vehicle seat belt can fit correctly on your child, he should still ride in the rear seat until he is 13 years old.
Seat Belt Only Use
Your child can use a seat belt if it fits correctly on them. To be sure of that,
- The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder and not the neck.
- The lap belt should be at the lower abdomen, just across the upper thighs, and not the belly.
States car seat laws do not permit all children below the age of 13 years to ride in the front passenger seat. They must always ride in the rear seat and use the seat belt always.
Why you need to abide by State Car seat Laws
Since laws and regulations vary from state to state, you should try to learn as much as possible about your state and any state you plan to visit.
When you violate a state law, you are liable to pay a fine. In a worst-case scenario, if you fail to keep to these regulations, you can end up endangering your child’s life.
You should make sure the right car seat is used for your child according to his age and that the car seat is installed properly.
Now we will be looking at each state’s laws. While this list is a summary that still covers the details as much as possible,
The following definitions have been used to make the age categorization easier:
newborn (ages 0–4 weeks);
infant (ages 4 weeks – 1 year);
toddler (ages 12 months-36 months);
preschooler (ages 3–5 years);
school-aged child (ages 6–13 years);
adolescent (ages 14–19).
Source – Wikipedia
You will find a more comprehensive guide on each state’s laws following any state link below.
All state laws for each state provided in this article have been extensively researched from the appropriate source. Every attempt has been made to make this presentation in the most accurate way possible without twists or change.
ALABAMA - Car seat laws for Alabama
Car Seat Law in Alabama (AL Statutes 32-5B and 32-5-222)
- Child Restraint Law –
- Infants less than 12 months or lesser than 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing infant seat.
- Toddlers between 1-4 years or between 20 to 40 pounds must ride in a forward-facing child restraint (CR or CRS – Child Restraint System).
- Preschoolers above 5 years but less than 6 must ride in a booster seat.
- Every other age must use the appropriate car seat for their age or the seat belt appropriate by age
- Fine – $25
More details on Alabama Car Seat Laws.
ALASKA - Car seat laws for Alaska
Car Seat Law in Alaska (AK Statute 28.05.095)
- Child Restraint Law –
- Toddlers under 3 years of age should ride in a child restraint.
- School-aged children between 4-8 years, 20-65 lbs. weight, and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a booster seat.
- All other occupants of the car must make use of a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age
- Fine – $50
More details on Alaska Car Seat Laws.
ARKANSAS - Car seat laws for Arkansas
Car seat law in Arkansas (AR Statutes 27-37-706 and 27-34-103)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 5 years of age and less than 60 lbs. weight, and all children weighing 60lbs or more may ride in a seat belt.
- Fine – $100
More details on Arkansas Car Seat Laws.
CALIFORNIA - Car seat laws for California
Car seat law in California (CA Vehicle Code Statutes 27315 and 27360)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children under 8 years should ride in the rear seat.
- All other occupants of the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age, weight, and height.
- Fine – $100
More details on California Car Seat Laws.
COLORADO - Car seat laws for Colorado
Car seat law in Colorado (CO Statutes 42-4-237-7 and 42-4-1701)
- Child restraint law
- Infants under 12 months and less than 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
- Toddlers aged 1 to 3 years and between 20-40 lbs can ride in a forward-facing car seat.
- Preschoolers less than 55 inches in height can ride in a booster seat.
- School-aged children and adolescents between 8-15 years or more than 55 inches in height are allowed to use the vehicle’s seat belt.
- Fine – $82
More details on Colorado Car Seat Laws.
CONNECTICUT - Car seat laws for Connecticut
Car seat law in Connecticut (CT Statute 14-100a)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old or less than 20 lbs. must ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers and school-aged children between 1-6 years and under 60 lbs. should ride in the appropriate car seat according to age, weight, and height.
- School-aged children and adolescents between 7-15 years and more than 60 lbs. should ride in a booster seat with lap and shoulder seat belts. Using a car seat belt is permissible.
- Fine – $60
More details on Connecticut Car Seat Laws.
DELAWARE - Car seat laws for Delaware
Car seat law in Delaware (DE Statutes 21.48.4802 and 21.48.4803)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years of age and less than 66 lbs. weight should ride in the appropriate child restraint according to age, weight, and height.
- Other school-aged children and adolescents between 8-15 years or more than 66 lbs. should ride in a seat belt.
- All other occupants of the car should make use of a seat belt
- Fine – $75
More details on Delaware Car Seat Laws.
FLORIDA - Car seat laws for Florida
Car seat law in Florida (FL Statutes 316.613-4)
- Child restraint law
- Infant and toddlers less than 3 years old should ride in the appropriate child restraint.
- Preschoolers ages 3-5 years are permitted to use the vehicle car seat belt (this will not be recommended. Allow your children still ride in their car seat)
- Fine – $60
More details on Florida Car Seat Laws.
GEORGIA - Car seat laws for Georgia
Car seat law in Georgia (GA Statute 40-8-76)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 8 years should ride in the back seat if available.
- Fine – $50
You should use the appropriate car seat for your child at his age, height, and weight.
More details on Georgia Car Seat Laws.
HAWAII - Car seat laws for Hawaii
Car seat law in Hawaii (Statutes 291-11.5 and 291-11.6)
- Child restraint law
- Toddlers less than 3 years old must ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-7 years should ride in a booster seat or child restraint.
- Fine – $100
More details on Hawaii Car Seat Laws.
IDAHO - Car seat laws for Idaho
Car seat law in Idaho (Statutes 49-672 and 49-673)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 6 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- Fine – $79
You should use the appropriate car seat for your child at his age, height, and weight.
More details on Idaho Car Seat Laws.
ILLINOIS - Car seat laws for Illinois
Car seat law in Illinois (Statutes 625 ILCS 5/12-6031 and 625 ILCS 25/6)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children under 7 years old should ride in a child restraint in the rear seat.
- Children above 40 lbs. weight may use a lap belt if there’s no 3-point belt and should ride in the back seat.
- Fine – $75
More details on Illinois Car Seat Laws.
INDIANA - Car seat laws for Indiana
Car seat law in Indiana (IN Statutes 9-19 – 10-11)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- Fine – $25
You should use the appropriate car seat for your child at his age, height, and weight.
More details on Indiana Car Seat Laws.
IOWA - Car seat laws for Iowa
Car seat law in Iowa (IA Statutes 321-445 and 321-446)
- Child restraint law
- Infants under 12 months and less than 20 lbs. should ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers and preschoolers between 1-5 years should ride in a child restraint.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents
- Fine – $25
More details on Iowa Car Seat Laws.
KANSAS - Car seat laws for Kansas
Car seat law in Kansas (KS Statutes Ch. 8, Article 25, and 8-1344)
- Child restraint law
- Infants and toddlers less than 3 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-7 years less than 80 lbs. weight or less than 57 in. height should ride in a child restraint or a booster seat.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children between 4-7 years who are more than 80 lbs. weight or more than 57 in. height.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children between 8-13 years
- Fine – $60
More details on Kansas Car Seat Laws.
KENTUCKY - Car seat laws for Kentucky
Car seat law in Kentucky (KY Statute 189.125)
- Child restraint law
- Infants and toddlers less than 40 inches in height should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children less than 6 years old and between 40-50 inches in height should ride in a booster seat.
- Fine – child restraint – $50; booster seat – $30
More details on Kentucky Car Seat Laws.
LOUISIANA - Car seat laws for Louisiana
Car seat law in Louisiana (LA Statutes 32-295 and 32-295.1)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old or less than 20 lbs. should ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers between 1-3 years old or between 20-39 lbs can ride in a forward-facing child restraint.
- Preschoolers aged 4-5 years or between 40-60 lbs should ride in a booster seat.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children between the age of 6-12 years or more than 60 lbs. weight.
- Fine – $100
More details on Louisiana Car Seat Laws.
MAINE - Car seat laws for Maine
Car seat law in Maine (ME Statute 29-A: 19, 2081)
- Child restraint law
- Infants and toddlers less than 40 lbs. weight should ride in a car restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children less than 8 years old and between 40-80 lbs. weight should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat (“in safety system that elevates child, so adult seat belt fits properly”)
- School-aged children between 8-11 years and less than 100 lbs. weight should ride in the back seat if available.
- Seat belts are permitted for children and adolescents between 8-17 years or less than 18 years and more than 57 inches in height.
- All other occupants of the car should make use of a seat belt
- Fine – $50
More details on Maine Car Seat Laws.
MARYLAND - Car seat laws for Maryland
Car seat law in Maryland (MD Statutes 22-412.2 and 22.412.3)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 8 years old should ride in the appropriate child restraint unless they are up to 57 inches in height or taller or more than 65 lbs. in weight.
- Fine – $25
More details on Maryland Car Seat Laws.
MASSACHUSETTS - Car seat laws for Massachusetts
Car seat law in Massachusetts (MA Title XIV, 90 MGL Section 13A and 90 MGL Section 7AA)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a car restraint.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children between 8-12 years old or more than 57 inches in height.
- All other occupants of the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $25
More details on Massachusetts Car Seat Laws.
MICHIGAN - Car seat laws for Michigan
Car seat law in Michigan (MI Statute 257.710e and 257.710d)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a car restraint.
- Toddlers and preschoolers less than 4 years must ride in a child restraint in the back seat.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between 8-15 years old or more than 57 inches in height.
- Fine – $10 for children (toddlers and preschoolers) less than 4 years old or $25 for children aged 4 to 8 years old and more than 57 inches in height.
More details on Michigan Car Seat Laws.
MINNESOTA - Car seat laws for Minnesota
Car seat law in Minnesota (MN Statutes 169.685 and 169.686)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a car restraint.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children 8 years old upwards or more than 57 inches in height.
- All other occupants of the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $50
More details on Minnesota Car Seat Laws.
MISSISSIPPI - Car seat laws for Mississipi
Car seat law in Mississippi (MS Statute 63-2- and 63-7-301)
- Child restraint law
- Infants and toddlers less than 3 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-6 years old and less than 57 inches in height or less than 65 lbs. should ride in a booster seat.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children 7 years old and above who are more than 57 inches in height or more than 65 lbs. in weight.
- Fine – $25
More details on Mississippi Car Seat Laws.
MISSOURI - Car seat laws for Missouri
Car seat law in Missouri (MO Statutes 307.178 and 307.179.1)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 4 years old or less than 40 lbs. in weight should ride in a car restraint (car seat).
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-7 years old and weighing between 40-80 lbs. and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a booster seat.
- If all safety restraints are used up in the car, the other children (adolescents) less than 16 years old must ride in the back seat.
- Fine – $50 infants and preschoolers; $10 for a child more than 80 lbs or more than 57 inches tall.
More details on Missouri Car Seat Laws.
MONTANA - Car seat laws for Montana
Car seat law in Montana (MT Statutes 61-13-103 and 61-9-420)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 6 years old and less than 60 lbs. weight should ride in a car restraint.
- All other occupants of the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $100
More details on Montana Car Seat Laws.
NEBRASKA - Car seat laws for Nebraska
Car seat law in Nebraska (NE Statutes 60-6, 267 and 606-6, 268)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 5 years old should ride in a car seat.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between 6-17 years old.
- Fine – $25
NEVADA - Car seat laws for Nevada
Car seat law in Nevada (NV Statute 484D.495)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 6 years and less than 60lbs. weight should ride in a car restraint.
- All other occupants of the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $100-$500
More details on Nevada Car Seat Laws.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Car seat laws for New Hampshire
Car seat law in New Hampshire (NH Statute 265:107-a)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 5 years old and less than 55 inches in height should ride in a child restraint.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between the ages of 6-17 years or school-aged children more than 55 inches in height.
- All other occupants of the car must make use of a seat belt.
- Fine – $50
NEW JERSEY - Car seat laws for New Jersey
Car seat law in New Jersey (NJ Statute 39:3-76.2)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 8 years old and less than 55 inches in height should ride in a child restraint.
- They should ride in the back seat if available.
- All other occupants of the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $25
More details on New Jersey Car Seat Laws.
NEW MEXICO - Car seat laws for New Mexico
Car seat law in New Mexico (NM Statutes 66-7-369 and 66-7-362)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old should ride in a rear-facing child restraint if available.
- Toddlers and preschoolers between 1-4 years old or less than 40 lbs. should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children aged 5-6 years or less than 60 lbs. in weight should ride in a booster seat.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $25
More details on New Mexico Car Seat Laws.
NEW YORK - Car seat laws for New York
Car seat law in New York (NY Statute 1229-c)
- Child restraint law
- Infants and toddlers less than 3 years old, unless more than 40 lbs. weight and when no lap/shoulder belts available, should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-7 years old should ride in a child restraint unless there are no lap/shoulder belts available.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $100
More details on New York Car Seat Laws.
NORTH CAROLINA - Car seat laws for North Carolina
Car seat law in North Carolina (NC Statutes 20-135.2A and 20-137.1C)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years and less than 80 lbs. weight should ride in a child restraint.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between the ages of 8-15 years or 40-80 lbs. weight in seats without shoulder belts.
- Fine – $25
More details on North Carolina Car Seat Laws.
NORTH DAKOTA - Car seat laws for North Dakota
Car seat law in North Dakota (ND Statutes 39.21-41.1-2)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 6 years old and less than 57 inches in height or less than 80 lbs. weight should ride in a child restraint.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $25
OHIO - Car seat laws for Ohio
Car seat law in Ohio (OH Statute 4513.263)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 4 years old or less than 40 lbs. in weight should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children aged 4-8 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a booster seat.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between 8-14 years.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $75 (In Ohio, the law is secondary for children 4 to 14 years old).
More details on Ohio Car Seat Laws.
OKLAHOMA - Car seat laws for Oklahoma
Car seat law in Oklahoma (OK Statute 47-12-417)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 5 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $50
More details on Oklahoma Car Seat Laws.
OREGON - Car seat laws for Oregon
Car seat law in Oregon (OR Statutes 811.210 to 811.225)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old and less than 20 lbs. weight should ride in a rear-facing car seat (child restraint).
- Toddlers less than 40 lbs. should ride in a child restraint.
- Preschools and school-aged children less than 8 should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat (in a safety system that elevates the child so that an adult seat belt fits properly).
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – Not more than $250
More details on Oregon Car Seat Laws.
PENNSLYVANIA - Car seat laws for Pennsylvania
Car seat law in Pennsylvania (PA Statute 75.4581)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $75
More details on Pennsylvania Car Seat Laws.
RHODE ISLAND - Car seat laws for Rhode Island
Car seat law in Rhode Island (RI Statute 32.22-22)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 80 lbs. weight and less than 54 inches in height should ride in the back seat child restraint if available.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $75
SOUTH CAROLINA - Car seat laws for South Carolina
Car seat law in South Carolina (SC Statutes 56-5-6520 and 56-5-6410)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old or less than 20 lbs. should ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers and preschoolers between 1-5 years old and weighing between 40-80 lbs. should ride in a booster seat secured by lap and shoulder belts (lap belt alone is not permitted).
- Preschoolers less than 5 years old should ride in the rear seat if available.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $150
More details on South Carolina Car Seat Laws.
SOUTH DAKOTA - Car seat laws for South Dakota
Car seat law in South Dakota (SD Statute 32.38)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers less than 5 years old and less than 40 lbs. in weight should ride in a child restraint.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $25
More details on South Dakota Car Seat Laws.
TENNESSEE - Car seat laws for Tennessee
Car seat law in Tennessee (TN Statutes 55-9-602 and 55-9-603)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old or less than 20 lbs. should ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers between 1-3 years old and more than 20 lbs. should ride in a forward-facing child restraint.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-8 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a booster seat.
- School-aged children less than 8 years old and less than 57 inches should be in the rear seat if available.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $50
More details on Tennessee Car Seat Laws.
TEXAS - Car seat laws for Texas
Car seat law in Texas (TX Statute Sec. 545.412)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old should ride in a child restraint unless more than 57 inches in height.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $25-$250
More details on Texas Car Seat Laws.
UTAH - Car seat laws for Utah
Car seat law in Utah (UT Statute 41-6a-1803)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a child restraint.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between the ages of 8-15 years old or more than 57 inches in height.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $45
VERMONT - Car seat laws for Vermont
Car seat law in Vermont (VT Statutes 23-1258 – 23-1259)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old or less than 20 lbs. should ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children between 2-7 years old and more than 20 lbs. should ride in a child restraint in the rear seat unless the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children and adolescents between 8-15 years old and more than 20 lbs. in weight.
- Fine – $25
VIRGINIA - Car seat laws for Virginia
Car seat law in Virginia (VA Statutes 46.2-1094 and 46.2-1098)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- Rear-facing car seats should be in the back seat if available. If not available, in the front seat, but only if the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $50
More details on Virginia Car Seat Laws.
WASHINGTON - Car seat laws for Washington
Car seat law in Washington (WA Statutes 46.63.110 and 46.61.688)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 8 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a child restraint.
- If practical, adolescents less than 13 years old should ride in the back seat.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $124
More details on Washington Car Seat Laws.
WASHINGTON DC - Car seat laws for Washington DC
Car seat law in Washington DC (DC Statutes 50-1801-07 and 50-1701-08)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children under 7 years old should ride in a child restraint.
- School-aged children and adolescents between the age of 8-15 years should use seat belts or booster seats.
- Fine – $75
WEST VIRGINIA - Car seat laws for West Virginia
Car seat law in West Virginia (WV Statutes 17C-15-46 and 17C-15-49)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height should ride in a child restraint.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $20
More details on West Virginia Car Seat Laws.
WISCONSIN - Car seat laws for Wisconsin
Car seat law in Wisconsin (WI Statute 347.48)
- Child restraint law
- Infants less than 12 months old or less than 20 lbs. should ride in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Toddlers between 1-3 years old and between 20-40 lbs. should ride in a forward-facing car restraint in the back seat if available.
- Preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-7 years old and between 40-80 lbs should ride in a booster seat.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $10- $75 (Penalty not less than $30 or more than $75 for a violation involving a child less than 4 years and not less than $10 or more than $25 for child 4 to 8 years.)
More details on Wisconsin Car Seat Laws.
WYOMING - Car seat laws for Wyoming
Car seat law in Wyoming (WY Statute 31-5-1401)
- Child restraint law
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children less than 8 years old should ride in a child restraint in the back seat if available.
- All other occupants in the car should use a seat belt or car seat where appropriate by age.
- Fine – $50
More details on Wyoming Car Seat Laws.
Final Wrap Up
While this extensive article aimed to cover in details of every car seat laws for each state in in the United States, it was only possible with a deep research from this source.
A good number of hours to put in to this and I do hope you find it helpful.
