What Are the Child Safety Car Seat Laws in Each State?

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws governing the use of child safety seats. Child passenger safety laws require the use of approved car seats, booster seats, and appropriate child safety restraints while traveling in a motor vehicle. Once a child is able to use an adult seat belt, they fall under general seat belt laws. Because laws differ from state to state, it’s important to understand the car seat laws where you live.¹

State car seat laws are minimum requirements, not expert recommendations. So, before we take a look at the laws, let's talk about how to make sure your child is as safe as possible in the car.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says kids should ride in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible—until they outgrow the manufacturer's recommended height and weight limitations, in other words.

Some rear-facing car seats can support kids up to 50 pounds and 49 inches tall, which typically happens around age 6. So, with the right car seat, many kids can ride rear-facing until age 6. 

However, height and weight limitations vary from car seat to car seat. After your child outgrows the rear-facing limits, the AAP recommends switching to a forward-facing position through at least age 4. 

When kids outgrow the forward-facing position, they should move on to a booster seat through at least age 8. 

Once a child has outgrown the height and weight limitations of their booster seat, they can wear a three-point seat belt (shoulder and lap band) in the rear seat of the vehicle as long as the seat belt fits properly. This typically happens once a child is 4 foot 9 inches (57 inches) tall, or about 10–12 years old.

A properly fitting seat belt fits across the thighs, hips, and pelvis, not across the abdomen. The shoulder strap crosses the middle of the shoulder and the middle of the chest. The seat belt should meet this criteria while the child's back is flat against the back rest, and their knees should be able to bend at the edge of the seat. 

Finally, the AAP says children shouldn't ride in the front seat of the car until they're 13 years old. 

As you'll see below, some states have taken these guidelines to heart when writing their child passenger restraint laws. Other states have vague or lenient laws. Remember, these laws dictate the minimum requirements of each state. You can go above and beyond to keep your child safe until they turn 13. 

Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, and Washington have child passenger safety laws that closely mirror the AAP's recommendations: 

• Rear-facing until child outgrows manufacturer's height and weight recommendations
• Forward-facing until child outgrows manufacturer's height and weight recommendations
• Booster seat until child is 57 inches tall or outgrows manufacturer's height and weight limitations (which usually include a maximum height of 57 inches) 
• Adult seat belt when child reaches 57 inches tall
• Back seat only until age 13

Well done!

A few other states are pretty close but could use more language about height and weight recommendations: 

• Minnesota
• Tennessee
• Vermont

Nearly half of all states have extended rear-facing car seat laws.

• 24 states and the District of Columbia require children to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they're at least 2 years old.
• 7 states require rear-facing car seats until children are at least 1 year old.
• 19 states have laws that don't specify how long to use a rear-facing car seat.

In most cases, children can continue to ride in rear-facing car seats beyond the minimum legal age requirement as long as they fall within the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations for rear-facing use. 

These states' car seat laws are ready for an update:

• Alabama: An adult seat belt is allowed at age 6 regardless of the child's height. The typical 6-year-old is 42–49 inches tall rather than 57 inches tall—the AAP's recommended minimum height for using an adult seat belt. In addition, the law doesn't specify a minimum age for riding in the front seat. 
• Florida: An adult seat belt is allowed at age 6 regardless of the child's height, and there's no minimum age for riding in the front seat. 
• Idaho: An adult seat belt is allowed at age 7 regardless of the child's height. A typical 7-year-old is less than 57 inches tall. Also, the law doesn't give a minimum age for riding in the front seat.
• Iowa: An adult seat belt is allowed at age 6 regardless of the child's height, and no minimum age is given for riding in the front seat. 
• Montana: Kids are allowed to use adult seat belts as long as they're at least 6 years old and weigh 60 pounds, and no minimum age is required for riding in the front seat.
• New Mexico: An adult seat belt is allowed at age 7 regardless of the child's height, and there's no minimum age requirement for riding in the front seat. 
• South Dakota: An adult seat belt is allowed by age 5 or by 40 pounds, regardless of the child's height, and there are no restrictions for riding in the front seat.

Many of these states also have vague outlines for what kind of car seat kids should be in. Iowa, for example, simply says children ages 1–6 must be "secured during transit by a child restraint system that is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions."

So, as long as your child matches the height and weight recommendations of the car seat, you're legal. But is your child as safe as possible? Some safety advocates prefer to see laws that require longer rear-facing times because research shows this is the safest position for children under 4 to ride in the car. 

Below, you'll find a brief summary of each state's car seat and child passenger safety laws. We have interpreted each state law to the best of our ability, but we aren't lawyers. It's your responsibility to read, understand, and follow the full text of the law. We have provided a link to each state's law as a courtesy. If you have any questions about car seat laws in your state, talk to a lawyer. 

Laws can change frequently, so it’s also a good idea to regularly check with your local DMV to make sure you’re abiding by current child safety restraint standards.

• Children under 1 year or less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 1 through 4 years or 20 to 40 pounds require a forward-facing car seat.
• Children age 5 must use a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 6 years old.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws only apply to passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and vans that can seat up to 10 people. Maximum fine is $25 for each offense. Read full Alabama car seat law. 

• Children under 1 year or less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 1 through 3 years and over 20 pounds require a car seat.
• Children ages 4 through 7 and 20–65 pounds and under 57 inches tall must use a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 4 if the child is at least 57 inches tall or more than 65 pounds.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws do not apply to school buses or emergency vehicles. Maximum fine is $50 for each offense. Read full Alaska car seat law.

• Children 4 years and younger must use a child safety seat.
• Children ages 5 through 7 and less than 57 inches tall must be in a booster seat.
• Children can use adult seat belts starting at age 5 if they are taller than 57 inches.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws do not apply to vehicles that were originally manufactured without seat belts, emergency transportation of a child who needs medical care, and more. Maximum fine is $50 for each offense. Read full Arizona car seat law.

• Children 5 years and younger and under 60 pounds are required to be in a child safety seat.
• Adult seat belts can be used start at age 6 as long as the child weighs 60 pounds or more.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply when a child is being transported in a medical emergency or if using a child restraint system is physically impossible due to the child's medical conditions (physician note required). Maximum fine is $100 for each offense. Read full Arkansas car seat law.

• Children under 2 years and less than 40 pounds or under 40 inches tall must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children ages 2 through 7 and less than 57 inches tall must be in a child safety restraint system.
• Adult seat belts are allowed when children are at least 8 years old and at least 57 inches tall.
• Children are allowed to use a lap band seat belt in the back seat of a vehicle if they weigh at least 40 pounds and the vehicle doesn't have a three-point seat belt (shoulder and lap band). 
• Riding in the front seat is allowed when children are at least 8 years old and at least 57 inches tall.
• Kids younger than 8 years or under 57 inches can ride in the front seat in their car seat or booster seat in special circumstances, such as if the vehicle doesn't have a back seat or the back seats are side-facing or rear-facing. However, rear-facing car seats can't be used in the front seat unless the passenger air bag is disabled. 

These laws don't apply when a car seat is "impractical by reason of physical unfitness, medical condition, or size," or when transporting a child during a medical emergency. The maximum fine is $100 for the first offense and $250 for additional offenses. Read full California car seat law.

• Children must be in a rear-facing car seat until they're 2 years old or weigh 40 pounds.
• Children 2 through 3 years who weigh at least 20 pounds can use a forward-facing car seat. 
• Children ages 4 through 8 and at least 40 pounds can use a forward-facing seat or booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 9 years old.
• Riding in the front seat is allowed at 9 years old.
• Car seats and booster seats can be used in the front seat if the vehicle doesn't have a back seat. 

These laws don't apply when a child is being transported to receive emergency medical care. The maximum fine is $65 plus a $6 surcharge ($71 total). Read full Colorado car seat law.

• Children under 2 years or less than 30 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 2 through 5 years and 30–40 pounds can use a forward-facing car seat.
• Children 5 through 7 and 40–60 pounds can use booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed when children are at least 8 years old and weigh at least 60 pounds.
• Rear-facing car seats can't be used in the front seat unless the air bag is disabled. Aside from this, there are no restrictions for riding in the front seat.
• Booster seats can only be used in vehicles with three-point seat belts (shoulder and lap band).

These laws don't apply to buses or children "whose physical disability or impairment would prevent restraint in such a safety belt" (doctor's note required). The first offense is an infraction, the second offense may result in a fine up to $199, and any additional offenses are class A misdemeanors. Read full Connecticut car seat law.

• Children must be in a rear-facing car seat until they're 2 years old or weigh at least 30 pounds.
• Children 2 through 3 years weighing 30–40 pounds can use a forward-facing seat.
• Children can use a booster seat starting at age 4.
• Adult seat belts are allowed when children have outgrown the height and weight limits of their booster seat. 
• Children can't ride in the front seat until they're at least 13 years old and 65 inches tall unless the passenger air bag has been disabled, the vehicle doesn't have a back seat, or the back seat is completely occupied by children who are also less than 13 years old and under 65 inches tall.

These laws don't apply to charter buses, limousines, or taxis. The maximum fine is $25 per offense. Read full Delaware car seat law. 

• Children must be in rear-facing car seats until they're 2 years old or at least 40 pounds or 40 inches tall. 
• Children 2 through 7 years must be in a child safety seat.
• If a booster seat is used, it must be used with a three-point seat belt (lap and shoulder band).
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old.
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

The maximum fine is $75 for first and second offenses, $125 for the third offense, and $150 for additional offenses. Read full District of Columbia car seat law.

• Children 3 years and younger must be in a car seat.
• A booster seat can be used starting at age 4.
• Adult seat belts are allowed by age 6.
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat. 

These laws don't apply to school buses, paid buses or vans, trucks with a gross vehicle weight greater than 26,000 pounds, taxis, limousines, kids being transported during a medical emergency, or children with medical needs that make a car seat or booster seat unsafe (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $60 and three points. Read full Florida car seat law. 

• Children 0 through 7 years must be in a child safety seat.
• Lap belts are allowed if children weigh at least 40 pounds and there are no shoulder and lap belts in the vehicle, or such belts are being used by other children.
• Riding in the front seat is allowed by age 8. Car seats and booster seats can be used in the front seat if the vehicle has no back seat or all back seats are occupied by other children.

These laws don't apply if the child has a medical condition that would make it unsafe to use a child restraint system (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $50 for the first offense and $100 for additional offenses. Read full Georgia car seat law.

• A rear-facing car seat must be used for children younger than 2. 
• Children ages 2 through 3 can use a forward-facing car seat.
• Children ages 4 through 9 can use a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children ages 7 through 9 if they're at least 57 inches tall.
• Adult seat belts are allowed by age 10 regardless of height.

These laws don't apply to emergency vehicles, commercial vehicles, or mass transit vehicles. The maximum fine for the first offense is $100 plus up to $70 in additional fees. A second offense committed within three years of the first offense is subject to a fine of $250–$500 and up to $70 in additional fees. Additional offenses committed within three years are subject to a fine of $500–$800 and up to $70 in additional fees. Read full Hawaii car seat law.

• Children 6 years and younger must be in a child safety seat.
• If all the vehicle's seat belts are in use, the child is allowed to be unrestrained but must be in the back seat.
• Children are allowed to be removed from the car seat "for the purpose of nursing or attending the child's other immediate physiological needs."
• Adult seat belts can be used by age 7.
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat. 

These laws do not apply to commercial vehicles. The maximum fine totals $84. Read full Idaho car seat law.

• A rear-facing car seat must be used until the child turns two years old or weighs 40 pounds or is 40 inches tall.
• Children 2 through 7 years must be in a child safety seat.
• Children over 40 pounds are allowed to use a lap belt in the back seat of a vehicle if there are no three-point belts (shoulder and lap band) in the back seat. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old.
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.
• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for providing a car seat or booster seat to anyone who transports their child if they're less than 8 years old. 

These laws do not apply if the child has a medical condition that prevents the safe use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $75 for the first offense and $200 for additional offenses. Read full Illinois car seat law.

• Children 7 years and younger must be in a child safety seat.
• Children weighing at least 40 pounds are allowed to use a lap belt in the back seat if there are no three-point seat belts (lap and shoulder band) in the back seat of the vehicle, or all three-point seat belts are being used by other children under the age of 16.
• Aside from the above, there are no restrictions for riding in the front seat. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old.

These laws don't apply to school buses, special-purpose buses, taxis, medical services vehicles, vehicles originally manufactured without seat belts, official government vehicles, a vehicle being used in an emergency, and funeral equipment used in a funeral procession and/or returning to a funeral home. They also don't apply to children with physical conditions that prevent the safe use of a car seat or booster seat. 

The maximum fine for a child restraint violation involving a child over 4 years old is $25. No information is given about fines for children 4 years old and younger. Read the full Indiana car seat law. 

• Children under 1 year or less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 1 through 5 years can use a car seat or booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed by age 6. 
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to buses, vehicles manufactured in 1965 or prior, authorized emergency vehicles, and RVs unless the child is in the passenger seat of the RV. The laws also don't apply to children with medical conditions that would prevent the safe use of a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt (doctor's note required) or if there are no available seat belts in the back seat. The maximum fine is $25, but additional fees bring the total to at least $83. Read full Iowa car seat law.

• Children 0 through 7 years and less than 80 pounds or 57 inches tall must be in an appropriate child restraint system. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children at 8 years old; children ages 4 through 7 and more than 80 pounds or 57 inches tall may also use adult seat belts.
• Children ages 4 through 7 who don't meet the height and weight requirements for an adult seat belt may use a lap belt if that's the only option available.
• Children aren't required to be restrained if "all passenger securing locations available for use by children [...] are in use by [other] children." 
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws apply to vehicles made in or after 1968 that can hold up to 10 passengers. They don't apply to vehicles with a  truck chassis of more than 12,000 pounds or a farm truck of more than 16,000 pounds. Maximum fine is $60. Read full Kansas car seat law.

• Children under 40 inches must be in a car seat.
• Booster seats can be used when kids are less than 8 years old and between 40 and 57 inches tall. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children taller than 57 inches.
• No age restrictions for sitting in the front seat.

These laws apply to vehicles designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, except for farm trucks weighing at least 1 ton. Maximum fine is $30. Read full Kentucky car seat law.

• Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
• Children 2 through 3 years can use a forward-facing car seat if they've outgrown their rear-facing car seat.
• Children ages 4 through 8 can use a booster seat if they've outgrown their forward-facing seat.
• Adult seat belts can be used by age 9 as long as the seat belt fits correctly.
• Kids can't ride in the front seat until they're 13 years old. 

These laws don't apply to emergency vehicles, trucks with a carrying capacity over 2,000 pounds (one ton), taxis, school buses, when kids are being transported for a medical emergency, or when a child has a medical condition that prevents the safe use of a car seat or booster seat. They also don't apply to church buses, private buses, or recreational vehicles that can seat at least 11 people, or to commercial vans and trucks. 

Fines are as follows: $100 for the first offense, $250–$500 for the second offense, and at least $500 plus all court costs for additional offenses. Read the full Louisiana car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat unless they've outgrown the manufacturer's height and weight limits. 
• Children can use a forward-facing seat when they're at least 2 years old and less than 55 pounds.
• Children can use a booster seat from age 2 through 7 as long as they are 55–80 pounds and less than 57 inches tall. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 8.
• Kids can't ride in the front seat until they're 13. 

These laws don't apply when children have a medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $50 for the first offense, $125 for the second offense, and $250 for additional offenses. Read the full Maine car seat law. 

• Children younger than 2 must use a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
• Children 2 through 7 years and less than 57 inches tall require a child safety restraint.
• Adult seat belts are allowed once children turn 8 years old or measure at least 57 inches tall.
• No age limitations for riding in the front seat.
• Car seats, booster seats, and adult seat belts can't be used to secure more than one child at a time.

These laws don't apply if the child has a doctor's note saying the use of a car seat or booster seat is impractical due to a medical condition. The maximum fine is $50. Read the full Maryland car seat law. 

• Children 0 through 7 years and less than 57 inches require a child safety restraint.
• Adult seat belts are allowed starting at age 8 as long as the child measures 57 inches tall.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to school buses, vehicles made before July 1, 1966 that don't have seat belts, and children who have a medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $25 for each offense. Read full Massachusetts car seat law.

• A rear-facing car seat must be used until at least the age of 2 or until the child outgrows the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
• Once a child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can use a forward-facing car seat.
• A booster seat can be used starting at age 5 or whenever the child outgrows their forward-facing car seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed once children are 8 years old or measure at least 57 inches tall.
• Car seats and booster seats must be in the back seat unless a vehicle doesn't have a back seat. In that case, the car seat or booster seat can be placed in the front passenger seat only if the passenger air bag is disabled.
• Kids can't ride in the front seat until they're 13 years old.

These laws don't apply to buses, taxis, or other vehicles "not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law or regulations." If the violation occurs with a child younger than 4, the fine and fees total about $85. If the violation occurs with a child ages 4–8, the fine and fees total about $65. Read the full Michigan car seat law.

• A rear-facing car seat must be used until at least age 2 or until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
• A forward-facing seat can be used starting at age 2 as long as the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of their rear-facing car seat.
• A booster seat can be used starting at age 4 as long as the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of their forward-facing car seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed starting at age 9 as long as they properly fit the child and that the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of their booster seat.
• Kids can't ride in the front seat until they're 13. 
• Car seats and booster seats being used by kids who are at least 6 years old and 60 pounds may be placed in the front seat if there is no back seat and the air bag is disabled. 
• If there are more children in the car than "the number of age- or size-appropriate child passenger restraint systems and safety belts," unrestrained children must ride in the back seat.

These laws don't apply to children being transported during a medical emergency, children being transported by peace officer performing official duties, taxis, airport limousines, and commercial buses. They also don't apply if the child has a medical condition that makes a car seat or booster seat unsafe (doctor's note required). Car seat violations are petty misdemeanors in Minnesota, and the maximum fine is $50. Read the full Minnesota car seat law.  

• Children 3 years and younger require a child safety seat.
• Children ages 4 to 6 and less than 57 inches or 65 pounds must be in a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children starting at age 7 or when the child is at least 57 inches tall or 65 pounds.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to buses, vehicles registered for farm use, or children with a doctor's note saying they can't use a car seat or booster seat due to a medical condition. The maximum fine is $25. Read full Mississippi car seat law.

• Children 0 through 3 years and less than 40 pounds require a child safety restraint.
• Children can use a booster seat starting at age 4 as long as they weigh at least 40 pounds.
• Kids can wear an adult seat belt as long as they're at least 8 years old, weight at least 80 pounds, and are at least 57 inches tall.
• Kids who normally use booster seats can use lap belts in the back seat of a car if there are no three-point belts (shoulder and lap band) available for securing the booster seat.
• No age restrictions are given for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to "any public carrier for hire" (such as taxis or buses) and school buses designed to carry at least 11 passengers. The maximum fine is $50 per infraction. Read full Missouri car seat law.

• Children 0 through 5 years and less than 60 pounds require a child safety restraint.
• Adult seat belt use is allowed at age 6. 
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to school buses and taxis, among others. The maximum fine is $100 per offense. Read full Montana car seat law.

• Children must use a rear-facing car seat until they're at least 2 years old or they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight limitations. 
• Children ages 2 through 7 must use a child restraint system located in the back seat.
• Other than the above, there are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 8.

These laws don't apply to authorized emergency vehicles, parade vehicles, or if the child has a medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $25 per violation. Read full Nebraska car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat located in the back seat.
• The rear-facing car seat can only be placed in the front seat if the vehicle has no back seat or all positions in the back seat are occupied by children younger than 2, and the passenger airbag is disabled. 
• Children 2 through 5 who are less than 57 inches tall must be in a child restraint system "appropriate for the size and weight of the child."
• Adult seat belts can be used by children who are at least 6 years old or at least 57 inches tall. 
• Other than the rules regarding rear-facing car seats, there are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws do not apply to public transportation, including taxis, school buses, and emergency vehicles. They also don't apply to children with medical conditions that prevent the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required).

Car seat violations are misdemeanors in Nevada and have the strictest penalties of any state:

• First offense: Fine of $100–$500 plus 10–50 hours of community service.
• Second offense: Fine of $500–$1,000 plus 50–100 hours of community service.
• Additional offenses: Driver's license suspended for 30–180 days. 

Read full Nevada car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 2 through 6 years and less than 57 inches tall require a child safety restraint.
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children who are at least 7 years old or at least 57 inches tall.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to vehicles "regularly used to transport passengers for hire" (such as taxis), school buses (with some caveats), vehicles manufactured before 1968, antique motor vehicles, vehicles being used in a parade and traveling 10 miles an hour or less, plus other exemptions. The maximum fine is $50 for the first offense and $100 for additional offenses. Read full New Hampshire car seat law. 

• Children under 2 years and less than 30 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 2 through 3 years and less than 40 pounds can use a forward-facing car seat or remain in their rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations. 
• Children 4 through 7 years and less than 57 inches tall can use a booster seat or remain in their forward-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children age 8 and older or 57 inches or taller.
• Children must ride in the back seat until they're old enough for an adult seat belt, unless the car has no back seat. If using a rear-facing car seat in the front seat, the passenger airbag must be disabled. 

These laws don't apply to passenger vehicles made before July 1, 1966, children who have a medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required), and passenger vehicles not required by law to have seat belts. The fine is $50–$75 per offense. Read full New Jersey seat belt law.

• Children under 1 year must be in a rear-facing car seat located in the back seat.
• If the vehicle doesn't have a back seat, a rear-facing car seat can be secured in the front seat as long as the airbag is disabled.
• Other than the above, there are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.
• Children 1 through 4 years or less than 40 pounds can use a car seat.
• Children age 5 through 6 or under 60 pounds can use a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 7 years old.

These laws don't apply to authorized emergency vehicles, public transportation, or a school bus "unless all passengers are properly restrained." The maximum fine is $25 per violation. Read full New Mexico car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must use a rear-facing car seat unless they outgrow the manufacturer's recommended height and weight limits.
• Children 2 through 3 can use a forward-facing car seat.
• Children ages 4 through 7, or younger children who weigh at least 40 pounds, can use booster seats. 
• Kids younger than 4 who weigh more than 40 pounds can use a lap belt if that's the only type of seat belt in the car, or if all other three-point belts (shoulder and lap band) are being used by children under the age of 16.
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to non-school buses, taxis, or if the child has a medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required). The fine is $25–$100 per violation. Read full New York car seat law.

• Children 0 through 7 years and less than 80 pounds must be in a child safety restraint.
• Children weighing at least 40 pounds can use a lap belt as long as there are no three-point belts (shoulder and lap band) available.
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children 8 years old and older. 
• Kids can't ride in the front seat until they're at least 5 years old and 40 pounds. 

These laws apply to all vehicles that are required to have seat belts. The maximum fine is $25. Read full North Carolina car seat law. 

• Children 0 through 7 years and less than 80 pounds or 57 inches tall must use a car seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old; children under 7 years who are at least 57 inches tall may also use adult seat belts.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to vehicles capable of carrying 11 or more passengers, farm vehicles, and children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat (doctor's note required), among other exemptions. Violations have a penalty of one point and a maximum fine of $25. Read full North Dakota car seat law.

• Children 0 through 3 years or under 40 pounds must use a car seat.
• Children 4 through 7 years and more than 40 pounds and over 57 inches should use a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to taxis or public safety vehicles or to children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system. Fines cost $25–$75. Read full Ohio car seat law.

• Children under 2 years old must use a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer’s height and weight recommendations.
• Children younger than 4 must use a car seat.
• Children 4 through 7 years and less than 57 inches tall can be in a car seat or booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old or more than 57 inches tall.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to school buses, taxis, ambulances and other emergency vehicles, children being transported during a medical emergency, any vehicle that isn't legally required to have seat belts, and when all seat belts are otherwise in use. Maximum fine is $50. Read full Oklahoma car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must use a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 2 through 7 years and under 40 pounds must use a car seat.
• Children 2 through 7 years who weigh more than 40 pounds and measure less than 57 inches tall can use a booster seat OR be secured by a lap belt in the rear seat of the vehicle if there are no three-point belts (shoulder and lap bands) available.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old or more than 57 inches tall as long as the seat belt fits them properly. 
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat of the car.

These laws don't apply to "privately owned commercial vehicles that are being used for the transportation of persons for compensation or profit," with some exceptions, as well as vehicles that aren't legally required to have seat belts unless seat belts are present. They also don't apply to children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required). Offenses are Class D traffic violations with a maximum fine of $115. Read full Oregon car seat law.

• Children under 2 years old must use a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer’s height and weight recommendations.
• Children 2 through 3 years must use a car seat.
• Children 4 through 7 years can use a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws only apply to passenger cars, Class I and Class II trucks, classic motor vehicles, antique motor vehicles, and motor homes. They don't apply to children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required). Maximum fine is $75. Read full Pennsylvania car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 and less than 30 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• A forward-facing car seat must be used once the child outgrows the height and weight limits of their rear-facing car seat.
• Kids can use a booster seat once they've outgrown the height and weight limits of their forward-facing seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 8 but can be used for children under 7 if they weigh more than 80 pounds or are at least 57 inches tall.
• Kids younger than 8 and less than 57 inches tall and less than 80 pounds must ride in the back seat.
• Kids can ride "properly restrained" in the front seat if the vehicle doesn't have a back seat or all rear seats are occupied by other children.

These laws only apply to vehicles legally required to have seat belts, vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1966, and children who have a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required every 12 months). Offenses require a court appearance. Read full Rhode Island car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
• Children 2 through 3 who have outgrown their rear-facing seat must use a forward-facing car seat.
• Booster seats are allowed by age 4 as long as the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of their forward-facing car seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children at least 8 years old or at least 57 inches tall as long as the seat belt fits properly. 
• Kids can ride in the front seat by age 8. 
• If the vehicle doesn't have a back seat or all back seat positions are occupied by children younger than 8, a child's car seat or booster seat may be placed in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to taxis, school buses, church buses, day care buses, public transportation, commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, or children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required). Offenders are required to appear in court. Read full South Carolina car seat law. 

• Children younger than 5 years and less than 40 pounds require a car seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 5 years old or at least 40 pounds.
• No age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws don't apply to cars made before 1966 that don't have seat belts. Violations are considered petty offenses and aren't subject to fines. Read full South Dakota car seat law.

• Children under 1 year or less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 1 through 3 years and more than 20 pounds can be in a forward-facing car seat if they've outgrown the height and weight limitations of their rear-facing car seat.
• Children ages 4 through 8 and less than 57 inches tall can use a booster seat if they've outgrown the height and weight limitations of their forward-facing car seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 9 years old or for any child over 57 inches tall.
• Kids younger than 13 must ride in the back seat, if available.

These laws only apply to vehicles with a gross weight rating under 10,000 pounds that aren't used for public transport. They also don't apply to vehicles that aren't legally required to have seat belts or to children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required). Maximum fine is $50. Read full Tennessee car seat law.

• Children 0 through 7 years and under 57 inches tall require a car seat or booster seat that's suitable for their height and weight.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 8 or when the child measures 57 inches tall. 
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat. 

These laws only apply to passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, vans that transport 15 or fewer people, trucks, and truck tractors. They don't apply to "vehicles transporting passengers for hire," when all other available seats are occupied by other children. The maximum fine is $250. Read full Texas car seat law.

• Children 0 through 7 years and under 57 inches tall require a car seat or booster seat that's suitable for their height and weight.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 8 or when the child measures 57 inches tall. 
• There are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat. 

These laws don't apply to vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1966, children who have a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required), when all seating positions are occupied by other people, or to public transportation vehicles rated over 10,000 pounds. Maximum fine is $45. Read full Utah car seat law. 

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat. 
• Rear-facing car seats can only be used in the front seat of a car if the passenger-side airbag has been disabled. 
• Children 2-4 who have outgrown the height and weight limits of their rear-facing car seat must be in a forward-facing car seat.
• Children 5-7 who have outgrown the height and weight limits of their forward-facing car seat must be in a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years.
• Kids must ride in the back seat until they're 13.

These laws don't apply to school buses, commercial transportation buses (except those operated by a child care facility), vehicles that were made without seat belts, and people under evacuation orders. The maximum fine is $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, and $100 for additional offenses. Read full Vermont car seat law. 

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat unless they meet the manufacturer's minimum weight requirement for a forward-facing car seat.
• Children 2 through 7 years require a car seat or booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed for children 8 years old and older.
• All car seats and booster seats must be used in the back seat. If the vehicle doesn't have a back seat, they can be placed in the front seat only if the passenger airbag is disabled. 
• Other than the above, there are no age restrictions for riding in the front seat.

These laws only apply to public transportation vehicles, buses, school buses, farm vehicles, or vehicles made after January 1, 2968. They don't apply to children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $50. Read full Virginia car seat law.

• Children younger than 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
• Children 2-3 who have outgrown their rear-facing car seat must use a forward-facing car seat. 
• Children who are at least age 4, under 57 inches, and have outgrown the height and weight limits of their forward-facing car seat must use a booster seat.
• Children who typically would use a booster seat are allowed to use only a lap belt if there are no three-point belts (shoulder and lap bands) available. 
• Adult seat belts are allowed once the child measures 57 inches tall.
• Kids can't ride in the front seat until they're 13 years old. 

These laws don't apply to taxis and other for-hire vehicles, vehicles designed to hold 16 or fewer people and operated by an auto transport company, school buses, and shuttle buses. Penalties are unclear. Read full Washington car seat law.

• Children 0 through 7 years and under 57 inches tall require a car seat or booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 8 or at 57 inches or taller.
• There are no restrictions for riding in the front seat. 

These laws don't apply to vehicles for hire or if there are more passengers than available seat belts. The maximum fine is $20. Read full West Virginia car seat law.

• Children under 1 year or less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children 1 through 3 years weighing 20 to 40 pounds require a forward-facing car seat.
• Children ages 4 to 7 who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall must be in a booster seat.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old and over 80 pounds or 57 inches.
• Car seats and booster seats must be used in the back seat unless the vehicle doesn't have a back seat.

These laws don't apply to motor buses, school buses, taxis, or children who have a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system. The maximum fine is $175.30 for children under 4. For children 4 through 7 years, the penalties are $150.10 for the first offense, $200.50 for the second offense, and $263.50 for additional offenses. Read full Wisconsin car seat law.

• Children 8 years and younger must use a child safety restraint.
• Car seats and booster seats must be used in the back seat unless the vehicle has no back seat or other children occupy all seating positions in the back seat.
• Rear-facing car seats can't be used in the front seat unless the airbag has been disabled.
• Adult seat belts are allowed at age 9.

These laws don't apply to emergency vehicles, school buses, church buses, public transportation vehicles not manufactured with seat belts, and children with a medical condition that prevents the use of a restraint system (doctor's note required). The maximum fine is $50 for the first offense and $100 for additional offenses. Read full Wyoming car seat law.

 Keeping your little ones safe is a top priority, no matter where you live. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your children safe, including using a car seat that's appropriate for their height and weight. After all, car seats are proven to save lives.

And if your kids are ready to move up to new car seats, check out our Car Seat Buyers Guide for help.