Map of Car Seat Laws by State
Take a look at the interactive map of car seat laws by state below. You can find information for rear-facing, front-facing, booster seat, a child in the back seat, and adult seat belt laws for each state. Once you're done researching car seat laws by state, use our free tool below and compare car insurance rates from top-rated companies.
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Written by
Rachael Brennan
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Reviewed by
Chris Harrigan
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UPDATED: Aug 13, 2021
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Interactive Map – Car Seat Laws by State
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Interactive Map – Car Seat Laws by State
All US states currently require car seats for young children, but the exact requirements vary by states. You cannot leave the hospital with a newborn if you do not have an appropriate rear-facing seat in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico up to the age of two. In all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, booster seats or other similar devices have to be used for small children who have outgrown their car seats but cannot safely use a regular safety belt.
Car seats expire regularly requiring parents to buy new or recently manufactured car seats. Many of the latest car seats come apart step by step to adjust to a child’s age, eventually becoming a simple child safety seat. You can find your state on the chart. Children are allowed to start using adult safety belts starting somewhere between age 4 and 8 depending on the state.
Do Child Restraints Protect Children from Injury?
Car seats and booster seats, when used appropriately, can save an infant or child’s life in a car accident. Unfortunately, the wrong car seat can do more damage than you might think. The leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 13 is still car accidents according to experts. Something like an expired infant seat won’t have all the protections available. More importantly, certain parts of the car seat may not be as secure as they used to be. Some older models aren’t even built to be snug and secure when in a rear-facing position.
Whether you’re in North Carolina, West Virginia, or somewhere else, it’s essential to find the right car seats. Some organizations help people find affordable car seats to keep kids safe. Others review car seats so parents know what to look for such as a rear-facing car seat. Wherever you’re coming from, you can find a car seat that meets your needs.