All states have laws that cover the use of car seats, booster seats and other child restraint devices. Booster seats, unlike car seats, typically require that the child be restrained by the car's shoulder belt device. These laws differ widely and can change at any time, so be sure you research your state's booster seat regulations.
Age Requirements
Each state has different requirements governing the use of car seats, booster seats and other child restraints. These laws establish minimum ages for which children can or must be placed in either a car seat or a booster seat.
For example, the state of Ohio requires that any child 3 years old or younger, or less than 40 pounds, be restrained in a car seat. Children aged 4 to 7 years old who weigh 40 pounds and up and are shorter than 57 inches must be restrained in a booster seat, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Seat Preference
Some states also have seat preference laws that require children to sit in a rear seat whenever possible. For example, the state of Washington requires you to transport any child under the age of 13 in the rear seat of a vehicle whenever practical. Other states, such as Delaware, require that children 11 or younger must sit in back if the passenger side airbag is active. If deactivated, a child can sit in the front seat.
Penalties
State laws also provide for punishments for when a child is in a car without the proper restraints. These laws impose a variety of fines, depending on the state in which the violation occurs.
For example, the state of Nevada imposes a $500 fine for any booster or car seat violation, while the state of Kentucky imposes a $50 fine for car seat violations and $30 fine for booster seat violations.
