Car seat laws may vary from state to state, which can be confusing. We have made it easy for you by searching and making a complete list of car seat laws according to fifty states of the United States by height, weight, and age.
One of the most vital jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child secure & safe when riding in a vehicle. Car accidents lead to severe injuries or death among children. That’s why parents need to take their time and ensure they understand all of the car seat laws and regulations in their state before driving with their baby.
Table of Contents
Car Seat Requirements
There are many different types of car seats on the market, and it can be confusing for parents to choose the right one. It is important to choose the right car seat for your child. The type of seat your child needs depends on several factors, including your child’s age, size, and developmental needs.
Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits) and read the vehicle owner’s manual. It is important to remember that car seat safety is not only about choosing the right car seat. You also need to make sure that the car seat is installed correctly and that your child is buckled up correctly every time you travel.
The use of car seats reduces the risk for death and serious injuries by more than 70% for infants and by more than 50% for toddlers in passenger cars. Here is more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child.
Infant Car Seat laws
According to law, all children under 8 years old must be properly secured in a child restraint system. For infants, this system will be the rear-facing car seat. It’s worth noting that the rear-facing child restraint systems cannot be installed forward-facing or installed in the front seat or in front of active airbags. Toddlers and infants have to be secured in rear-facing seats until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the manufacturer.
To have the ultimate protection, infants must buckle in these seats in the back of their motor vehicles until they grow enough and reach the maximum weight limit of the car seat.
Infant Car Seat Weight
It is important to know the weight limit of your infant car seat in order to keep your child safe. Car seat laws vary from state to state, but most require that infants be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat until they reach at least 20 pounds (9 kilograms). Some seats have a higher weight limit, so it is important to check the label on your seat to see what is recommended.
There are a few exceptions to the rule. If a child is over 8 years old or has outgrown the height or weight limits of their car seat, they can be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
Infant Car Seat Age Limit
Most parents choose to use an infant car seat through the first year of their baby’s life, and sometimes up to age 2. Car seat laws vary from state to state, but it is generally recommended that infants ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds.
Some states have laws that require infants to be in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old. Be sure to check the car seat laws in your state before making the switch to a forward-facing car seat.
While it is recommended that infants ride in a rear-facing car seat, some parents opt to switch to a forward-facing car seat sooner. If you do choose to switch to a forward-facing car seat before your child’s first birthday, be sure to consult the car seat manual and follow all safety guidelines.
Infant Forward Facing Car Seat Laws
As parents, it is important to understand the infant forward-facing car seat laws in order to keep your children safe and secure while traveling. These laws vary by state but generally require that infants be kept in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach a specific height or weight limit.
After this point, you may need to transition to a booster seat, but it is still important to keep your child in the back seat. By understanding and following these laws, you can help keep your infant safe and protected while on the road.
Infant Rear Facing Car Seat Laws
Infant car seat laws can be confusing, as there are several different recommendations and regulations regarding infant rear-facing car seats. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), all infants should ride in rear-facing car seats starting with their first ride home from the hospital. In addition, the AAP recommends that infants remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the highest height or weight allowed by their car seat manufacturer.
There are several reasons for this recommendation. First, rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for infants in the event of a crash. Second, it is easier to install rear-facing car seats correctly than install forward-facing car seats.
Toddler Car Seat Laws
Toddler car seat laws are designed to help ensure your child’s safety in an accident. These laws typically require that toddlers buckle into a rear-facing car seat with a harness and be placed in the vehicle’s back seat until they reach either the maximum weight or height limit of their car seat. By following these laws, you can help protect your child and give yourself peace of mind while on the road.
So whether you’re a new parent or simply looking to refresh your knowledge on toddler car seat safety, be sure to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws in your area and take all necessary precautions when traveling with your little one. Toddler car seat safety is no joke – so make sure you’re doing everything to keep your child safe on the road.
Toddler Car Seat Weight
When it comes to ensuring the safety of toddlers in cars, one of the most important things to consider is their weight. Generally speaking, children should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible until Toddlers reach the highest height or weight limits allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer.
Various laws and regulations govern toddler car seats and the weight requirements for children riding in them. For example, there are strict guidelines regarding the age at which a child can transition from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, typically ranging from 12 months to 2 years old. Additionally, some regions have laws restricting how long a child can remain in a rear-facing car seat based on their weight.
It is essential to be aware and attentive to the various laws and regulations regarding toddler car seats in your region and the weight requirements of your child’s particular car seat model. By ensuring that your child meets all the necessary safety requirements, you can help keep them secure while riding in the car.
Toddler Car Seat Age
Most toddler car seats can be used from approximately six months of age up to four years, depending on the weight and height of your child. However, according to the UN R129 (i-Size) regulation, children must remain rear-facing for at least 15 months.
At Be Safe, we recommend keeping your child rear-facing until at least four years of age, or longer if possible. Then, depending on your child’s height and weight, some toddler car seats can be used for rear-facing and forward-facing.
Whether you choose to use a traditional infant carrier or a toddler car seat is ultimately up to you. Still, it is essential to follow all safety regulations and stick with the recommendations of your chosen car seat manufacturer. Toddler car seat laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check the car seat laws in your area before making a purchase.
Toddler Forward Facing Car Seat Laws
Your toddler car seat should always be forward-facing with a harness and tether. Once your child reaches the top weight or height limit specified by the car seat manufacturer, it’s time to move to a booster seat. Your Kid should remain in a booster seat until they are big enough to use a seat belt alone. Remember, your Kid should always ride in the back seat.
With these essential safety tips in mind, you can help keep your toddler safe on the road. Laws regarding toddler car seats vary by state, so be sure to check the requirements in your area. In general, though, most states require that children under the age of 4 or 5 rides in a car seat. Some states have even stricter laws, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities to ensure that you are following the regulations in your area.
Whether you are following laws or want to keep your child as safe as possible while riding in a car, you must use the appropriate toddler car seat for their age and weight. A good rule of thumb is to always keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until they have outgrown the height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer. After that, it is time to move on to a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
Toddler Rear-facing car seat laws
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat until they have reached the highest weight and height limits recommended by their car seat manufacturer. Safety experts recommend this practice based on a child’s size, not age, so small children can remain rear-facing for 3 or 4.
With proper use and care, a toddler car seat can provide an extra layer of protection in a collision, keeping your child secure. When it comes to car safety seats for toddlers, the general rule is that they should remain in a rear-facing position until they reach the highest weight or height limit set by the manufacturer of their particular seat. After that, they can be transitioned to a front-facing position.
Convertible Car Seat Laws
Convertible car seats are child safety seats that can use both rear-facing and forward-facing. These seats are often bulkier than infant car seats, but they offer more protection for older children and can be used for longer. While there are no specific laws regulating the use of convertible car seats, there are general guidelines that specify when and how these car seat laws.
Convertible car seats must be used in rear-facing mode until the child reaches the maximum weight or height limit. After that, the seat can be converted to forward-facing mode. Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit for that position.
Once they are out Convertible car seats must be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions, and they should be properly secured in the vehicle at all times. For example, when using a convertible car seat in the rear-facing position, the seat should be positioned at the correct angle, and the harness should be tightened so that it fits snugly around the child.
Convertible Car Seat Weight
It is important to ensure that your child’s convertible car seat is the correct weight. Convertible car seats may be used from birth, but infant-only seats fit small babies better. Choose one certified to face rear until baby weighs at least 30 pounds.
Convertible car seats typically have weight limits of between 40 and 80 pounds, depending on the model, so it is essential to choose one that can accommodate your child’s size and weight as they grow.
Convertible Car Seat Age
Convertible car seat age is an important factor to consider when purchasing a car seat for your child. The average age range for using a convertible car seat is 9 months to 2 years, depending on the child’s size.
Convertible seats have height and weight limits that allow children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more. Many seats can adjust children up to 65 pounds. Convertible car seats are a great investment as they provide safety and comfort for your child.
Booster Car Seat Laws
Booster car seat laws typically require children to use booster seats until they reach four feet, nine inches tall, and require that these seats be located in the vehicle’s back seat. Booster car seats are designed to keep children properly positioned and prevent them from being thrown around in a collision or sudden stop.
Most states have rules that require children to ride in a booster seat once they outgrow a child car seat. Booster seats must be used with a back and shoulder belt; never a lap-only best booster seat can be used as either a high-back or backless booster seat, depending on your child’s height and weight.
A high-back booster seat lifts your child up so that they can safely use the vehicle seatbelt and offers additional back support. On the other hand, a backless booster simply lifts your child so that they can sit comfortably in the seat.
Booster Seat Age
Booster seat age can vary widely depending on a child’s age, size, and maturity level. Generally speaking, most children should remain in a booster seat until they are between 10-12 years old. However, depending on the child’s weight and height, some kids may be ready to transition to an adult seat belt before this age range.
In most states, the legal minimum booster seat age is 4 years old. However, some kids may not be prepared to sit properly in a seat belt at this age and may need to remain in a booster for longer.
Booster Seat Weight
When it comes to booster seats, weight is an essential factor to consider. Many state laws require that a child be at least 40 pounds before moving to a high-back booster, though this also depends on the seat manufacturer’s recommendations. Booster seats designed for kids ages 4 to 8 typically weigh between 40 and 100 pounds.
Most states have rules that require children to be in a booster seat until they reach a certain weight or height limit. For example, in California, children must be in a booster seat until they reach either 4 years old OR 40 pounds.
FAQs
1. Can a 4-Year-Old Sit In a Booster Seat?
At four years old, children can be mature enough to sit in a booster seat for the entire car trip with their seat belts correctly positioned across their chest and shoulder. However, many will be much older.
2. Can My 1-Year-Old Sit In a Front-Facing Car Seat?
There is “No” definitive answer to whether or not your 1-year-old should sit in a front-facing car seat.
3. When Should A Child Ride In The Front Seat?
Whether you are a parent or guardian, it is essential to be aware of the car seat laws in your area. Many organizations recommend that children ride in the back seat of a vehicle from 13. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under the age of 13 sit in the rear seats of cars and use appropriate car safety equipment based on their age, weight, and height.
4. What Age Can My Baby Go In Forward-Facing Car Seat?
Most states have laws that require children to be in a forward-facing car seat until they reach a certain age, usually four years old.
5. When Can My Child Ride Without a Booster Seat?
Regarding car seat laws, the general rule is that children should remain in a booster seat until they are around 4 feet 9 inches tall and 8-12 years old, as this is when they are typically able to fit an adult seat belt comfortably. Its means that most children will not be able to ride without a booster seat until they are around 10-12 years old.
6. How Does A Booster Seat Provide Protection?
Lap-and-shoulder belts are designed to protect adults in a crash, but they don’t fit children correctly. That’s where booster seats come in – they raise children so that the seat belt fits them properly. Instead of the shoulder belt being positioned uncomfortably against the child’s face or neck, it sits across the middle of the shoulder and diagonally across the child’s trunk.
7. Can I Buckle Two Children into One Seat Belt?
It is never safe to share a seat belt, no matter how small the children are. Seat belts are designed to secure one passenger in an accident safely, and they are not designed to support multiple individuals safely.
Fifty States of USA – Laws & Regulations by Sates
Alabama Car Seat Laws
If you live in Alabama and drive with young children in your car, it’s important to be familiar with the state’s car seat laws. These laws are designed to help keep children safe while on the road, and they include a variety of requirements for both parents and caregivers.
Some key points of Alabama’s car seat laws include:
- All children under the age of six must be properly secured in a safety restraint appropriate for their age or weight.
- The safety restraint must comply with the United States Department of Transportation Standards, and it must be used according to the specifications listed by the safety seat manufacturers.
Alaska Car Seat Laws
Are you looking to travel safely with your children in Alaska? Be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s car seat laws!
Under Alaska car Seat laws, all drivers must properly secure any child under 16 in a motor vehicle. Failing to do so may produce a fine of up to $50.
Arizona Car Seat Laws
Arizona car seat laws are in place to help keep children safe while being transported on the state’s highways. According to Arizona car seat lawshttps://topbabyseats.com/car-seat-laws/arizona/, all children under eight must use a car seat that meets federal standards when traveling in motor vehicles. Additionally, children between eight and seventeen must use a lap and shoulder belt while riding in cars.
Arkansas Car Seat Laws
Arkansas car seat laws require all children under 16 years to be accurately secured in a car. Children under six years and weighing less than 60 pounds must ride in a car seat. A booster seat is suitable for children ages 5-8 and under 4’9”. Kids ages 6-15 and weighing 60 pounds or more must wear seat belts.
California Car Seat Laws
California Car Seat Laws are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of young children while they are traveling in vehicles. Under California Vehicle Code Section 27360, children under 2 years of age must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, except if they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall.
To comply with California car seat laws, it is essential to choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s height and weight and that meets the specifications set forth by the manufacturer.
Colorado Car Seat Laws
Colorado has specific car seat laws that apply to children of all ages. For children ages 4-8, children must use either a car seat or a booster seat for safety. Depending on your child’s size and weight, you may need to continue using a booster seat even after they have turned 8 years old.
Ensuring that your child is properly restrained while riding in a car is the best way to keep them safe and protect them in an accident. Colorado’s car seat laws are designed to do just that – keep children safe on our roads.
Connecticut Car Seat Laws
In Connecticut, all children under two and having a weight less than 30 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing safety restraint. Kids between two to four years old and 30 to 39 pounds can be put down in either a forward-facing or a rear-facing restraint.
According to Connecticut car seat laws, parents can put children between the ages of five to seven and between 40 to 59 pounds in a forward-facing restraint, rear-facing restraint, or booster seat. It is essential to note that all children must be secured with both the lap and shoulder belts when using a booster seat.
Delaware Car Seat Laws
Delaware Car Seat Laws mandate that all children under 12 months of age must be seated in a rear-facing car seat. For older children, Delaware law requires that children ride in a proper car seat until 7 years of age or 65 pounds. Additionally, all children between the ages of 8 and 15 must wear a seatbelt, even when seated in the back seat.
Failing to obey these laws may result in a fine of $25.00. Whether you are traveling with an infant or an older child, it is important to stay informed on Delaware’s car seat laws and ensure that your child is always riding safely and securely.
Florida Car Seat Laws
For children under the age of three years, Florida law requires they must be in a separate car seat or one that is integrated into the car. For ages four to five, Florida law requires the child to be in a booster seat, a full car seat, or one that is integrated with the vehicle.
And for those between the ages of six and seventeen, Florida car seat laws require they must be wearing a seatbelt.
These car seat laws in Florida can depend on the child’s age, regardless of how tall or short they may be. Whether you’re new to Florida or simply want to brush up on your car seat safety knowledge, these Florida car seat laws are important to know.
Georgia Car Seat Laws
In Georgia, all children under the age of eight must be in an appropriate safety restraint for their height and weight. This includes both car seats and booster seats. All children under the age of eight years and shorter than 4’9” must be in the vehicle’s back seat.
Georgia authorities suggest a rear-facing seat for newborns weighing under 20 pounds. There are a few exceptions to the rule that all children under eight must be in the back seat.
Hawaii Car Seat Laws
Hawaii requires kids to ride in a booster seat unless they reach 8 years old or 4’9″. Be aware that taking a child out of a booster is extremely risky, even if it’s a legal choice.
Most kids do not fit properly in an adult’s seatbelt until they are 10-12 years old when they pass the 5-step test.
It is important to follow manufacturer minimum and maximum size requirements for your booster seat, as most makers now require a minimum age of 4 years, a height of 40″, and a weight of 40 pounds.
Idaho Car Seat Laws
In Idaho, it is important to follow these car seat laws to keep children safe while driving. Parents can make sure that their young ones are protected from injury in an accident or sudden stop by using the proper car seat at each stage of a child’s development.
- All Idaho children under the age of 2 must be saved in a rear-facing car seat.
- Kids between 2 and 4 years must be protected in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
- Kids between 4 and 7, who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat, must ride in a booster seat.
Illinois Car Seat Laws
Illinois law needs all children under the age of 8 to be correctly secured in an appropriate child restraint system while traveling in a non-commercial motor vehicle. The Illinois Department of Transportation offers the following tips for ensuring the safety of your child while riding in a car:
- Always use an appropriate child restraint system for your child’s age and size, as the manufacturer recommends.
- Choose a seat based on your child’s height and weight, not age.
- Always keep your child buckled up when riding in a vehicle, even if they appear to be sleeping quietly.
Indiana Car Seat Laws
Indiana has a set of rather local laws when it comes to child restraint requirements. According to the law, a person who operates a motor vehicle in which there is a child below eight years of age and is not properly fastened and restrained by a child restraint system commits a Class D infraction.
Indiana’s car seat laws are not as comprehensive as those in many other states, but they are still an important consideration for parents and caregivers.
While Indiana’s car seat laws may be less restrictive than those in other states, it is still critical that parents and caregivers take the necessary steps to ensure their children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle. This can help keep children safe from injury.
Iowa Car Seat Laws
Iowa law requires that all children under the age of 1 and having a weight less than 20 pounds should be protected in a rear-facing car seat. Parents are also required to follow the specific guidelines set forth by the car seat manufacturer regarding proper use.
Some manufacturers permit children to be forwarded facing as young as 1 year old, providing they weigh at least 22 pounds. Others require that toddlers be at least 2 years old before facing forward. Iowa law is specific in its requirements to help ensure the safety of all infants and toddlers while riding in a vehicle.
Kansas Car Seat Laws
Kansas car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while riding in vehicles. All children under the age of 7 or 80 pounds and 4’9” should be secured in a protection restraint system that fits the seat producers’ specification and complies with United States Department of Transportation Standards.
Children who are not accurately secured in a car seat are at a higher risk of death or severe injury in a car accident. In Kansas, it is also illegal to leave a child under the age of 16 unattended in a vehicle. If you are found responsible for this crime, you could face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $500.
Kentucky Car Seat Laws
Kentucky State Law requires that any child under the age of one year OR weighing 20 pounds and over must be controlled in a rear-facing car seat. A child should remain in a five-point harness car seat unless they have reached the age of 4 years or weigh 40 pounds.
Any child over 57 inches tall or eight years of age must be secured in a seat belt. And, any child age 12 or younger should always ride in the back seat. Ensure your children are riding safely; it is important to be aware of the state’s regulations regarding car seats and booster seats.
Louisiana Car Seat Laws
Louisiana’s car seat laws are structured differently than in other states. Children can’t ride in a booster seat unless they are at least 4 years old AND have outgrown their forward-facing harness. Bravo! Keep this law in mind if you’re selecting a forward-facing harnessed seat for a small child, as some of the long-lasting options may lawfully force you to harness unless close to 10 years old.
Louisiana needs children to travel in a booster seat or car seat until they get 9 years old or have outgrown the restrictions of their booster seat, making it important to be aware of these regulations when choosing an appropriate car seat for your child.
Maine Car Seat Laws
Maine’s car seat law states that all children under the age of two must travel in a rear-facing seat. This is an increase from the old law, which only required children under the age of one to be in a rear-facing seat. Additionally, children older than two but weigh less than 55 pounds must be harnessed in a front-facing car seat.
This change to the law mostly affects children up to age five. Once children exceed the height and weight limit set forth by the rear-facing car seat manufacturer, they can sit in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Children under the age of eight who are less than 57 inches tall and weigh less than 80 pounds must use a belt-positioning booster seat.
Maryland Car Seat Laws
Maryland has strict car seat laws to help ensure the safety of children while they are driving. In order to comply with these laws, all children under the age of 8 must be secured in either a child protection seat or a seat belt.
Additionally, any child between the ages of 0-7 must be secured in a child safety seat if they are smaller than 4 feet, or 9 inches. These laws are in place to help keep children safe while riding in a car and should be followed.
Massachusetts Car Seat Laws
All children riding in cars must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is accurately fastened and secured according to the manufacturer’s directions unless they are 8 or more than 57 inches tall.
When children grow up their booster seats (usually around age 8, but more importantly, when taller than 57 inches), they should wear a seat belt that is correctly adjusted and fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the age of 13.
Michigan Car Seat Laws
Michigan has strict car seat laws designed to keep children safe while riding in cars. Under these laws, children must be seated in a car seat or booster seat until 8 years or until they reach a height of 4’9″. Once a child meets either of these criteria, they are no longer required to use a car seat or booster seat. Additionally, all drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt or safety belt, regardless of age or seating location in the vehicle.
Minnesota Car Seat Laws
Minnesota car seat law requires all children under the age of 8 to be efficiently saved in a federally accepted car seat or booster seat. This law applies to all motor vehicles originally equipped with factory-installed seat belts, and to all seating positions.
The driver is answerable for ensuring that all travelers under the age of 8 are properly secured. This law applies to both Minnesota residents and non-residents and is designed to help keep children safe while traveling in a vehicle.
Mississippi Car Seat Laws
The Mississippi car seat law applies to children under the age of two, who must be secured in a rear-facing car seat or convertible seat. Children under the age of four are also required to use a properly installed child passenger restraint device or system that meets federal safety standards.
For children between the ages of four and seven, booster seats must be used, and children who are at least 65 pounds or four feet, nine inches tall are not required to use booster seats. Violators of the Mississippi car seat law may be subject to fines of up to $25.
Missouri Car Seat Laws
Missouri has strict requirements for car seat usage, making it illegal for children under the age of seven to be in a vehicle without proper safety equipment. According to the law, all children under one year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds should be protected in a rear-facing car seat.
Children between one and three years may use a forward-facing car seat if they meet the weight requirements, and you should always follow the guidelines provided by your child’s car seat manufacturer to ensure optimal safety. Whether you are in Missouri or any other state, it is crucial that you take all necessary precautions to protect your children while traveling in a vehicle.
Montana Car Seat Laws
Montana’s car seat law requires that any child under the age of six and weighing less than 60 pounds should be secured in an approved child safety seat. The seat must fit the child according to the seat’s height and weight certifications in order to be properly secured. Montana’s car seat law keeps children safe while riding in vehicles.
Nebraska Car Seat Laws
Nebraska’s new car seat law requires all children to be in rear-facing safety seats until age 2 or unless they reach the upper weight and height limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer. All children under 8 years old should use weight- and age-appropriate car seats or booster seats.
All kids up to 8 years must ride in the back seat, as long as the back seat is equipped with a seat belt and not already occupied by other children under age 8. Children aged 8-18 who are riding must be secured by seat belts or child safety seats, or booster seats.
Nevada Car Seat Laws
Nevada car seat rules require that children under 6 years old and below 57 inches be in a child reserve system while traveling in cars. The child seat should be suitable for the weight and size of the kid and should be placed within and securely attached to the vehicle.
It is suggested that children remain in car seats unless they outgrow them – generally around age 3 before moving on to booster seats. To ensure that your child is properly restrained, be sure to select a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s size and weight, and that is installed correctly within your vehicle.
New Hampshire Car Seat Laws
New Hampshire is one of many states with car seat laws that require children under the age of 6 to be properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint device while traveling in a vehicle. These laws are intended to help keep young children safe and reduce the risk of injury or death in a car accident.
Generally speaking, children should be seated in rear-facing car seats until they have outgrown the weight and height limits of the seat. In New Hampshire, children under age 6 with a height of fewer than 57 inches are required to use an approved child restraint device while traveling in a vehicle.
New Jersey Car Seat Laws
For children under 2 years old and 30 pounds, this means being secured in a rear-facing car seat with a 5-point harness. Once a child reaches 4 years old and 40 pounds, they can be transitioned to a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness.
New Jersey has strict car seat laws to ensure the safety of children while driving in vehicles. In order for children over 8 years of age or 57 inches in height to be properly secured by a seat belt, they must follow these guidelines:
- Children must use a booster seat until they are at least 57 inches tall and 8 years old
- Children must be properly secured by a seat belt in the backseat of the vehicle
- Children under 13 years old should ride in the backseat of the vehicle whenever possible
- The driver is responsible for making sure all passengers under 18 years old are correctly controlled in an appropriate car seat or seat belt, as required by
New Mexico Car Seat Laws
New Mexico has strict car seat laws to protect the safety of children on the road. According to these laws, infants must ride in rear-facing seats until they are 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds.
Additionally, children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats must use booster seats until they reach 7 years old or exceed the maximum weight and height limits for the seat. These laws are in place to ensure that all children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle and to help prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
In New Mexico, it is the law that children aged 7-12 years ride on booster seats until they are big enough to use safety belts. However, the best practice is to keep your child in the back seat until age 13.
New York Car Seat Laws
If you’re a New York parent, it’s important to know the state’s car seat laws. Here are three vital rules to keep in mind:
- All kids under the age of 8 must travel in an age-appropriate child restraint system.
- All kids under the age of 4 must travel in a child safety seat.
- All children ages 4 to 8 can travel in an age-appropriate harness, vest, or booster seat combined with a traditional seat belt. However, they may not travel while secured by a seat belt alone.
Overall, New York’s car seat laws are designed to keep children as safe as possible while traveling in cars and other vehicles.
North Carolina Car Seat Laws
North Carolina has car seat laws that specify how children must be restrained based on their age and weight. Children under the age of 5 or who weigh less than 40 pounds must be restrained in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle, while children aged 8 and over or who weigh 80 pounds or more may use a properly fitted seat belt.
North Dakota Car Seat Laws
North Dakota’s car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while riding in vehicles. Children must travel in rear-facing seats until age 2. After that, kids who are not less than 2 years old or those who have outgrown the rear-facing seat limits can graduate to a forward-facing seat with a harness.
North Dakota law says children younger than 8 years should be secured in the appropriate child restraint system. A child must weigh a minimum of 40 pounds and be at least 4 years old before transitioning to a booster seat. Children must travel in the back seat unless age 13.
Ohio Car Seat Laws
Ohio car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while riding in vehicles. All children under the age of four years old, or those who weigh below 40 pounds, must be settled in a child safety seat. Children between the ages of 8 and 15, who are less than four feet nine inches tall, should be set down in a booster seat.
All children at least eight years of age but not older than fifteen must be saved in either a child control system or lap-and-shoulder seatbelt. All children under the age of four years old, or those who weigh less than 40 pounds, must be settled in a child safety seat. Children between eight and fifteen, who are less than four feet nine inches tall, must be seated in a booster seat.
Oklahoma Car Seat Laws
Oklahoma’s car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while traveling in a vehicle. All infants and children below the age of 2 must travel in cars. Infants and all children less than 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Car seats should be installed in the back seat of the vehicle and fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
All children less than 4 years old must be restrained in a child safety seat with an internal harness.
These forward-facing seats should be used as long as possible or until the child reaches the upper limits of the seat’s weight recommendations. Children between 4 and 8 are required to sit in a fitted car seat or booster until they reach a certain height and/or weight.
Oregon Car Seat Laws
Oregon car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while riding in a vehicle. All children under the age of 1, regardless of weight, must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child safety seat. Children weighing 40 pounds or less must use an appropriate child safety seat.
Children weighing more than 40 pounds but who are 4′ 9″ or under age 8 must be in a booster seat, and children weighing more than 40 pounds but who are 4’9″ or less must wear a seat belt. These laws aim to protect children of all ages and sizes by ensuring that they are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle.
Pennsylvania Car Seat Laws
In Pennsylvania, all children under the age of two must be placed in a rear-facing car seat while riding in a vehicle. After your child turns two, you can switch them to a forward-facing seat provided that she exceeds the rear-facing seat maker’s height and weight guidance.
Children between four and seven can move on to a booster seat only when they are over the forward-facing seat makers’ height and weight restraints. At last, children between eight and 12 can wear the car’s backseat security belt once they are at least 4’9”. Failure to follow Pennsylvania’s car seat laws can result in a fine of up to $75.
Rhode Island Car Seat Laws
Rhode Island law requires that all children under the age of two years old or weighing less than thirty pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat in a rear seat. In addition, all children between the ages of two and seven years old who are less than 4’9” tall, and weigh less than eighty pounds must be in a child restraint system in a rear seat.
Kids between two and seven years old who are at least 4’9” tall or weigh at least eighty pounds, however, must wear a safety belt or shoulder harness in a rear seat.
South Carolina Car Seat Laws
South Carolina’s child, the passenger restraint law, states that children under eight years old and under 4’9″ tall should use a car seat or booster seat in a rear seat. kids at least eight years old or minimum of 4’9″ tall should use a booster seat or safety belt in a passenger car.
South Carolina car seat laws require that all children under the age of eight must be properly secured in a suitable car seat or booster seat. Any child eight years or older can legally sit in the front passenger seat only if the back passenger seats are filled with other children under eight years old.
South Dakota Car Seat Laws
South Dakota has specific laws regarding the use of car seats for infants and children. These laws vary based on a child’s age, weight, and size, with requirements ranging from using a car seat for all children up to age 5 regardless of weight or size to booster seats for children ages 5 through 17 who weigh more than 40 pounds.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that all children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle, regardless of age, size, or weight. Whether you’re using a car seat, booster seat, or simply a seat belt, it’s important to follow South Dakota’s guidelines for child safety and make sure your child is as safe as possible while traveling in the car.
Tennessee Car Seat Laws
Tennessee’s Child Passenger Restraint Law requires all children under the age of 16 to be properly restrained while riding in a motor vehicle.
- Children under one (1) year, or any child weighing 20 pounds or less, must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children aged one through age three must be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
- Children aged four through age eight must be secured in a booster seat.
- Children aged nine (9) through age twelve (12) must be secured by a properly fitted seatbelt.
- Children age thirteen (13) through age fifteen (15) must be secured by a properly fitted seatbelt.
Texas Car Seat Laws
In Texas, all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children 2 and older can ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness, while they are within the height and weight checks set by the manufacturer.
Once they outgrow their car seat, they can use a booster seat until they are big enough to use a seat belt alone. Texas law needs all children under the age of 8 to be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat.
Utah Car Seat Laws
Utah’s car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while riding in vehicles. All children under the age of 12 months must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the height and weight restriction
of the car seat.
After outgrowing a rear-facing car seat, children may ride in a forward-facing car seat. All kids under eight must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat. Children who are 8 years old or elder but less than 16 years old must be restrained by a seat belt.
Vermont Car Seat Laws
Vermont car seat laws are designed to keep children safe while riding in a vehicle. All infants under the age of one and all children under the age of eight must ride in an approved child restraint system. This includes rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing child seats, and booster seats.
All kids over the age of eight must use a safety belt. Vermont law also requires that all infant seats be placed in the rear of the vehicle, away from any active airbags. All kids ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least two. After that, they should use a forward-facing child seat or booster seat until they are at least 13 years old.
Virginia Car Seat Laws
In Virginia, all children under the age of two must be properly secured in a rear-facing seat in the former seat of the car. Once they reach the manufacturer’s minimum weight limit to face forward, they can then transition to a forward-facing car seat.
Children between two and seven years must be properly secured in a child restraint device in the back seat, and children between the ages of four and seven may be saved by a quality seat belt with a signed written statement from a licensed physician.
Children eight years old and up must be properly secured by an appropriate safety belt system. Virginia’s car seat laws are designed to keep children safe and secure while riding in a vehicle. Following these laws will help ensure that your child is properly protected in an accident.
Washington Car Seat Laws
Washington has strict car seat laws that require children to be properly secured in various types of car seats, depending on their age and height. Children must ride in rear-facing car seats up to age 2, then switch to forward-facing harnessed car seats until they are at least 4 years old.
After this, they must use a booster seat with a seat belt until they are at least 4’9″ tall. Additionally, children up to 13 must ride in the backseat whenever possible to ensure their safety.
West Virginia Car Seat Laws
West Virginia has strict car seat laws to ensure the safety of children while they are traveling in cars. Children below eight and under four feet and nine inches must be secured in an appropriate safety restraint, such as a rear-facing infant restraint, forward-facing toddler restraint, or booster seat.
Parents who fail to follow these laws may be subject to $10-$20. While West Virginia does not specify a minimum or maximum age for children to use safety belts, safety officials recommend using them for older children.
Wisconsin Car Seat Laws
In Wisconsin, all children under the age of 1 year or 20 pounds should be in a rear-facing seat in the back seat of the car. Children between 1 and 4 years old or 40 pounds should be in a rear-facing or forward child seat in the back seat (if so equipped), or a booster seat if they are 4 to 8 years old and between 40 and 80 pounds.
Violating Wisconsin’s car seat laws can result in fines ranging from $175.30 for children under the age of 4, to up to $525 for children 8 years or older and between 40 and 80 pounds. Thus if you are a parent or caretaker in Wisconsin, make sure you follow the state’s car seat laws to make sure the safety and well-being of your children while on the road.
Wyoming Car Seat Laws
If you’re a Wyoming resident, it’s important to know the state’s car seat laws. As per the law, all kids under 8 years must travel in a child protection restraint system. This technique can be either rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat, depending on the weight and height of your child. Keep your children safe and informed by knowing Wyoming’s car seat laws.