West Virginia Car Seat Laws - Updated & Simplified
Table of Contents
Child Car Seat Laws in West Virginia
Car Seat Law in West Virginia (WV Statutes 17C-15-46 and 17C-15-49)
What does the child restraint law in West Virginia say?
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children under 8 years should be properly secured in a child passenger safety device system that meets federal safety standards.
- Such children under 8 years and if at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, then a safety seat belt shall be sufficient as a child safety device.
More on The Law
- A fine of not less than $10 nor more than $20 shall apply for violating West Virginia’s child safety law.
West Virginia Car Seat Laws Rear-Facing
The car seat laws in West Virginia do not state the type of safety seat that should be used for a child.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a rear-facing safety seat for your newborn for as long as possible, say the first 2 years or more (up to 4 years), depending on your child’s height and weight.
You are also recommended to follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions on the weight and height limit for a car seat before transitioning to the next type.
This article on types of car seats by age will guide you more on all types of car seats to use at different stages of growth of your child.
West Virginia Car Seat Laws Forward-Facing
The West Virginia child car seat laws do not also mention the forward-facing type of safety seat.
However, a forward-facing car seat with a harness is the correct type of car for toddlers and preschoolers between the ages of 4-8 years.
This type of car seat is recommended for children who have outgrown the limit for the rear-facing car seat type by weight and height. It would help if you referred to the manual to confirm the manufacturer’s instructions.
Belt-positioning Booster Seat Laws in West Virginia
West Virginia car seat laws do not also mention a booster seat but say, “a child passenger safety device system that meets Federal safety standards.”
A belt-positioning booster seat is the recommended child safety seat for school-aged children between 8-12 years old.
According to the car seat manufacturer’s manual, when your child outgrows the weight and height limit for a forward-facing car seat, the following type of car seat will be the booster seat.
However, where the child car seat laws in WV don’t mention a booster seat, make sure to use the vehicle car seat belt and securely fasten your child.
Seat Belt Law in West Virginia
What does the law say?
- A child under 8 years and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall (more than 57 inches tall), then a safety seat belt shall be sufficient as a child safety device.
- All passengers in the car must use a safety belt.
- Violation of this seat belt law attracts a fine of $25.
Other Laws About Car Seat You Need to Know About in West Virginia
Car Laws for Other Passengers in A Car
All other occupants of the car must make use of a seat belt.
Front Passenger Seat Law in West Virginia – Can A Child Sit in The Front Seat?
West Virginia doesn’t mention a law on this, but you should note that children under 13 must ride in the back seat and use a safety seat belt or an appropriate safety seat.
Also, note that your baby in a rear-facing car seat should never ride in the front passenger seat with an activated airbag.
This is because the pressure from an inflated airbag during an accident can cause severe injury to the back of your baby’s head and, in the worst case, lead to death.
The safest place for a car seat is the center rear seat where it is farther away from the side windows.
Car Seat Laws for Taxis in West Virginia
There is no mention of a taxi or any close information about that in the law.
However, it is your responsibility as a parent to ensure you use a safety seat if you have to board a taxi and install it correctly.
It is essential you learn how to install a car seat without base in this case. You don’t need to carry your infant seat with a base about. In fact, it is impractical because of how bulky it can be.
A base is also to be fixed in the main car, and the safety seat is detached anytime and installed in another vehicle using the seat belt.
Can You Leave A Child in Your Car Alone in WV?
West Virginia does not practice the “hot car law,” so it may not be an issue if you do that.
Here’s some information you need to know; according to The Washington Post’s Gene Weingarten, it is estimated that at least a dozen children die every year due to hypothermia and heat illness in the U. S. after being left in an overheated car – the forgotten baby syndrome.
Of course, you don’t want such an experience.
Smoking Around Children in Cars – is it illegal in WV?
There is no law about smoking, but a bill has been proposed to make it illegal to smoke around minors in a vehicle.
