USA Car Seat Laws by State – Child Car Seats in the US

Child seat laws in the USA are set by state, so if you’re visiting the USA with children and renting a car or travelling by car otherwise you need to know the rules and laws around child car seat provision. As with many driving rules in the US such as speed limits and the minimum driving age, car seat laws are set at state level and you should check before travelling the legal requirement for the state(s) in which you plan to drive with children in the car.

Rear-Facing Baby Seat Laws in the US by State (age / weight)

Half of all states in the US have a minimum age of 12 months or maximum weight of 20lb at which point children should travel in a rear-facing seat. All of the remaining states have a minimum age of 24 months with varying maximum weights of between 30-40 pounds, or the maximum weight / height of the specific car seat as specified by the manufacturer. Only Oklahoma and Oregon differ and state that all children under 24 months of age, regardless of weight should travel in a rear facing car seat. Only Florida and West Virginia have no age / weight restrictions and state that children should meet the weight or height limitations as determined by the car seat manufacturer.

Forward-Facing Child Seat Laws in the US by State (age / weight / height)

25 of all states in the USA have no fixed upper age limit for the use of forward-facing car seats with 13 of those requiring children to meet the weight or height limitations as set by the car seat manufacturer. Where no minimum age is set, some states specify a maximum weight for the use of car seats with Rhode Island being the strictest setting a weight limit of 80lb before children can in a car not in a forward-facing car seat (they are still then required to use a booster seat until aged 8). Indiana as the lowest limit of just 30lb where children can start to use a booster seat, however police will encourage parents / carers to use a use a forward-facing car seat until at least 40lb inline with most other states that set no minimum age.



The remaining 24 states have minimum age or weight requirements ranging from 4 years and 40lb at the lowest to 6 years and 65lb, or the maximum weight or height limitations as determined by the car seat manufacturer.

Booster Seat Laws in the US by State (age / weight / height)

Transitioning from a forward facing car seat to a booster seat is often one of the grey areas that cause the most confusion as forward facing car seats range from harness type to ones that use the regular seat belt of the car. Some booster seats have backs and some don’t so it’s always wise to check to type of seat first. Generally, the progression from forward facing car seat to booster seat is determined by weights / height, whereas booster seats are generally determined by height as they are designed to ensure that the regular seat belt fits the occupant as intended to provide maximum protection and prevent injury in the event of an accident. Most states have a minimum height of 4’9” (57 inches / 144.78cm / 1.44m) and generally minimum age of 8, although some states are lower. Ohio has the strictest requirement with a minimum height of 4’10” (58 inches / 147.32cm / 1.47m).

Whichever US state you are driving in with children in the car, it is wise to check the requirements before you travel to ensure you comply with the law. If renting a car, you can pre-book child-seats and check its suitability on arrival with the rental agent.
 

Disclaimer / Sources:

All information correct at time of publication to the best of our knowledge, however we recommend you check local legislation for changes / updates to the law(s) and satisfy yourself that you will travel safely with your child in a suitable car seat, compliant with the applicable laws for the individual US state.