Child Restraint Laws: Ages And Stages

Child restraint laws vary by state and are based on a child's age, weight, and height. These laws are in place to ensure the safety of children when riding in motor vehicles, as motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. In Florida, for example, children aged 4 and under must be secured in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device, while children aged 4 to 5 can use a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a booster seat. These laws are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

Child restraint laws by state

Child restraint laws vary by state and can be confusing, especially when traveling to different states. Here is a comprehensive list of child restraint laws for each of the 50 states of the United States:

Alabama

Children through age 6 shall use a child restraint system. Children 4 and under 5 must be in a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat. Children 6 and up must be secured with the vehicle seat belt.

Alaska

Children under the age of 16 must be transported using a child restraint system. Children under 1 year old or less than 20 lbs must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. Children more than 1 year old but less than 5 years old, who weigh 20 lbs or more, must be secured in a child restraint device. Children more than 4 years old but less than 8 years old, weighing more than 20 lbs but less than 65 lbs, and less than 57 inches tall must ride in a booster seat.

Arizona

All children under eight years of age and less than four feet nine inches tall must be restrained in a child restraint system.

Arkansas

Children under 15 years of age must be secured in a child restraint system. Children less than 6 years of age and less than 60 pounds are required to ride in a child restraint. Children 6 and up can be restrained by a vehicle safety belt.

California

Children under the age of 8 must be secured in the back seat of the vehicle in

Child restraint laws for children under 1

Child restraint laws vary across the US, so it's important to check the specific requirements of your state. However, here are some general guidelines for child restraint laws for children under 1:

In most states, children under the age of 1 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the maximum height and weight limits allowed by the manufacturer, which is typically around 2 or 3 years of age. This is because rear-facing seats provide greater protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

When choosing a rear-facing car seat, look for one that has been federally approved and is appropriate for your child's age, weight, and height. The seat should also be properly installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some states require the rear-facing seat to be placed in the back seat of the vehicle, unless there is no rear seat available or the front passenger airbag has been deactivated.

In addition to using the appropriate car seat, it is important to ensure that your child is properly secured in the seat. The harness should be snug and lie flat across your child's chest and shoulders, and the chest clip should be at armpit level. The straps should also be buckled in the correct slots—usually at or below your child's shoulders for a rear-facing seat. Be sure to regularly check the fit of the harness as your child grows.

When traveling with an infant, it is recommended to bring a portable rear-facing car seat that can be easily installed in different vehicles. Additionally, be mindful of the temperature in the car, as young children are more sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Dress your infant appropriately for the weather and never leave them unattended in a vehicle.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and it is important to consult your state's specific laws and regulations regarding child restraint requirements.

Child restraint laws for children under 5

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. Proper child restraint and seat belt usage can drastically reduce the chances of death or serious injury in the event of a crash.

Child restraint laws vary by state, so it is important to check the specific laws in your state. Here are some general guidelines for child restraint laws for children under 5:

Rear-facing Car Seat

Children under the age of 1 or weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height and weight limits allowed by the manufacturer. This is typically until the child is at least 2 years old.

Forward-facing Car Seat

Once a child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, they should be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. This is generally required until the child reaches the height and weight limits of the car seat, which is typically around 4 or 5 years old.

Booster Seat

After outgrowing a forward-facing car seat, children should be secured in a booster seat until they are tall enough to properly fit in a seat belt. This is typically required until the child is at least 5 or 6 years old.

In addition to these general guidelines, here are the child restraint laws for children under 5 in some specific states:

Florida

In Florida, children under 3 years old must be secured in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. Children ages 4 and 5 must be secured in a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat.

Alabama

In Alabama, children through age 6 shall properly use an aftermarket or integrated child passenger restraint system that meets federal safety standards. This includes infant-only seats and convertible seats used in the rear-facing position for infants up to at least 1 year old or 20 pounds.

California

In California, children under the age of 8 must be secured in the back seat of the vehicle in an appropriate child passenger restraint system that meets federal safety standards. Children under 2 years old must be in a rear-facing child restraint system unless they are over 40 pounds or 40 inches tall.

Texas

In Texas, children younger than 8 years old must be secured in a child passenger safety seat system according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the child is at least 4'9" tall, they may use the vehicle's seat belt.

Remember to always read the instructions for your specific car seat and vehicle, as proper installation and usage are crucial for the safety of your child.

Child restraint laws for children over 5

Child restraint laws vary across the United States, so it's important to check the specific requirements of your state. Here are some general guidelines for child restraint laws for children over the age of five:

Booster Seats

In many states, children over the age of five are required to use a booster seat until they reach a certain height or weight. For example, in Florida, children aged four to five may use a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a booster seat. The specific requirements vary by state, but the goal is to ensure that the child is properly restrained and protected in the event of a crash.

Seat Belt Usage

In some states, children over the age of five are permitted to use adult seat belts if they meet certain height and weight requirements. For example, in Alabama, children over the age of six can use an adult seat belt if they are at least 4'9" tall. However, it's important to ensure that the seat belt fits the child properly, with the lap belt across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest.

Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing Car Seats

While children over the age of five are typically too large for rear-facing car seats, some states recommend that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer. Forward-facing car seats are typically recommended for children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats but are still too small for a booster seat or adult seat belt.

Medical Exemptions

In some states, there are exemptions to child restraint laws for children with medical conditions. For example, in Florida, a child does not have to use a child restraint device if they are being transported in a medical emergency or have a medical condition that necessitates an exception, as evidenced by appropriate documentation from a healthcare professional.

School Buses and Public Transportation

It's important to note that child restraint laws typically do not apply to school buses or public transportation. However, it is always recommended to properly restrain and protect your child, even when riding on a school bus or public transportation vehicle.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific laws may vary depending on your state. Be sure to check the laws in your state to ensure that you are complying with the child restraint requirements.

Child restraint laws for children in school

The laws regarding child restraint vary across different states and territories. Here is a comprehensive overview of the child restraint laws for children in school, focusing on the topic of "what age does child restraint law apply":

Alabama

Children through age 6 are required to use a child restraint system, which includes infant seats, convertible seats, booster seats, and seat belts.

Alaska

Children under the age of 16 must be transported using child restraint systems or seat belts based on their age and weight.

Arizona

All children under eight years of age and shorter than four feet nine inches must be restrained in a correctly installed child restraint system.

Arkansas

Children under 15 years of age must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system or a vehicle safety belt based on their age and weight.

California

Children under the age of 8 must be secured in the back seat using an appropriate child restraint system or a safety belt.

Colorado

Children up to 15 years old must be properly secured in a child restraint system or a safety belt based on their age and weight.

Connecticut

Children 8 years of age and younger must be restrained using a child restraint system or a booster seat based on their age and weight.

Delaware

All children up to 8 years of age or weighing 65 lbs must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or a vehicle's seat belt.

Florida

Children ages 4 through 5 must use a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat. Children under 5 must be secured in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.

Georgia

Children under eight years of age must be properly restrained in a child restraint system appropriate for their height and weight.

Hawaii

Children under 10 years of age must be properly restrained in a child restraint system with a harness based on their age.

Idaho

Children age 6 and younger must be properly secured in a child safety restraint unless all seat belts are in use or for physiological needs like nursing.

Illinois

Children under the age of 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system, including booster seats.

Indiana

Children under 8 years of age must be properly restrained in a child restraint system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Iowa

Children up to 6 years old must be secured in a child restraint system based on the manufacturer's instructions.

Kansas

Children under 14 years of age should be restrained using a child restraint system or a vehicle's seat belt based on their age and weight.

Kentucky

Children must be secured using a child restraint system or a booster seat based on their height.

Louisiana

All children under the age of 18 must be properly secured in a child restraint system or a vehicle's seat belt according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Maine

Children must be properly restrained using a child restraint system or a vehicle's seat belt based on their age and weight.

Maryland

Children under 8 years of age and shorter than 4'9" must be secured in a child safety seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Massachusetts

Children under the age of 8 must be secured using a child restraint system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Michigan

Children under 4 years of age must be properly secured in a child restraint system in the rear seat. Children between 4 and 8 years old must also be secured in a child restraint system.

Minnesota

All children under 8 years of age must ride in a child restraint system unless they are 4'9" or taller.

Mississippi

Children under 4 years of age must use a child restraint device meeting federal standards. Children between 4 and 7 years of age must use a belt-positioning booster seat.

Missouri

Children must be properly restrained using a child restraint system, booster seat, or vehicle's seat belt

Frequently asked questions