Massachusetts Car Seat Laws - Updated & Simplified

Massachusetts Car Seat Laws

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Massachusetts Car Seat Laws

Massachusetts Car Seat Laws (MA Title XIV, 90 MGL Section 13A, and 90 MGL Section 7AA)

What does the child passenger restraint and seat belt use laws in Massachusetts say?

  • A child under 8 years and less than 57 inches in height must be properly fastened and secured by a child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • A child between 8-13 years shall be properly fastened and secured by a safety belt.

More on the Law

  • Exemptions:
    • A child who for medical or physical reasons is unable to be secured in a child passenger restraint or a specially designed child restraint for a child with a disability shall have a written statement from a physician stating the nature of the disability and reasons why a restraint may be unsuitable for such child.
  • A person who violates the Massachusetts car seat laws shall receive a citation and be subject to a $25

 The car seat laws in Massachusetts do not exactly define the types of car seats as rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seats, but says a child under 8 years and less than 57 inches be secured in a car seat according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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Massachusetts Car Seat Laws Rear Facing

The law does not mention the rear-facing car seat but says a child must be secured in a car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants are to ride in a rear-facing car seat for at least the first two years of their life.

Car seat manufacturers follow this recommendation and instruct that a child under two years ride in a rear-facing car seat till they outgrow the recommended weight and height limits.

Therefore, a child under 2 years should ride in a rear-facing car seat.

On the other hand, a rear-facing car seat should not be installed in the front passenger seat with the airbag activated. A car seat should be installed in the back seat. The center rear is the safest spot for a car seat.

Massachusetts Car Seat Laws Forward Facing

According to car seat manufacturers, a child is to ride in a forward-facing car seat once they outgrow the weight and height limits of the rear-facing car seat, usually between 2-4 years and up to 7 years.

After the forward-facing, a child may then ride in a booster seat.

Massachusetts Booster Seat Laws

After the forward-facing car seat, a child may now ride in a belt-positioning booster seat till they outgrow the weight and height limit or are big enough for the safety belt to fit correctly.

Car seat manufacturers recommend that a child ride in a booster seat from 8-12 years.

A belt-positioning booster seat should also be used with a lap and shoulder belt combination and not a single part alone.

Massachusetts Seat Belt Laws

Massachusetts seat belt law requires that a child between 8-13 years use a safety belt.

A child has to be big enough for the safety belt to fit correctly before transitioning to a safety belt. Otherwise, let your child continue riding in the booster seat till they are big enough.

Michigan car seat laws - How to choose the right seat
Guide on Car Seat Types.

Other Safety Seat Laws in Massachusetts

Car Laws for Other Passengers in a Car

Massachusetts requires all other passengers in the vehicle to be properly secured by a seat belt.

Massachusetts Car Seat Law on Front Seat – Can A Child Sit in The Front Seat?

The State of Massachusetts does not specify on seating position for children in the car.

However, by federal standards, a child under 13 years is to ride in the back seat.

Since the law doesn’t stipulate on seating positions, a vehicle, a single cab truck that doesn’t have a back seat may be allowed to have a car seat in the front seat. You’ll have to confirm with the local authorities if it’s allowed and check that the truck has the necessary features to install a car seat.

Nevertheless, the airbag must be deactivated if a rear-facing car seat must be installed in the front seat.

Massachusetts Car Seat Laws for Ubers, Taxis, or Cabs

Taxis are exempted from the car seat laws in Massachusetts. According to the law, the “$25 fine shall not apply to an operator of a motor vehicle licensed as a taxi cab not equipped with a child passenger restraint device.

Nonetheless, it is always safe to secure your child in a safety seat. A driver could hit the brakes suddenly, which could cause the passengers to be suddenly pushed forwards with force.

You can easily install an infant seat without the base, saving you more time.

Can You Leave Your Child Alone in a Car in Massachusetts? –

Massachusetts does not have a specific law prohibiting parents from leaving a child alone in a car but clearly states that daycare providers must never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

However, Massachusetts authorities may still charge a caregiver at discretion under the child endangerment laws if it believes a child was endangered.

Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Massachusetts?

There is no law that bans smoking in a car with children present. However, Massachusetts lawmakers are proposing a bill that will fine violators $100 when passed.

Helpful Resource - Car Seat Inspection in Massachusetts

Here are go-to resources for more help on car seat installation and inspection in  Massachusetts.

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