Child Restraint Systems
State Laws References | State Law Summary | City Law References | City Law Summary
State Laws and Policies for Child Passenger Safety in For-Hire Motor Vehicles as of January 2021
All hyperlinks and instructions provided in this table are functioning and accurate as of January 2022.
State Name |
References and Links |
---|---|
Alabama |
Statute: Ala. Code 1975 § 32-5-222 Navigate to Title 32 > Chapter 5 > Section 32-5-222 |
Alaska |
Statutes: Alaska. Stat. Ann. §§ 28.05.095, 28.05.099, 09.65.094 |
Arizona |
Statutes: A.R.S. §§ 28-907, 28-909 |
Arkansas |
Statutes: Navigate to this Arkansas State Legislature webpage, then click “Arkansas Code.” Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Ark. Code Ann. §§ 27-34-102, 27-34-103, 27-34-104, 27-34-107: Title 27 > Subtitle 3 > Chapter 34 |
California |
Statutes: Cal. Veh. Code §§ 12810, 27315, 27360, 27362, 27363, 27365 |
Colorado |
Statutes: Navigate to this Colorado General Assembly webpage, then click “Go to C.R.S. Online.” Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42-4-236: Title 42 > Regulation of Vehicles and Traffic > Article 4 > Part 2. Equipment Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42-4-1701: Title 42 > Regulation of Vehicles and Traffic > Article 4 > Part 17. Penalties and Procedure Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42-2-105.5: Title 42 > Drivers’ Licenses > Article 2 > Part 1. Drivers’ Licenses |
Connecticut |
Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 14-100a |
Delaware |
Statute: 21 Del. Code § 4803 |
Florida |
Statutes: Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 316.613, 316.614, 318.18 |
Georgia |
Statutes: Navigate to this Georgia Code webpage. Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Ga. Code Ann. § 40-5-57: Title 40 > Chapter 5 > Article 3 Ga. Code Ann. §§ 40-8-76, 40-8-76.1: Title 40 > Chapter 8 > Article 1 > Part 4 Ga. Code Ann. § 51-1-20.2: Title 51 > Chapter 1 |
Hawaii |
Statutes: Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 235-15, 291-11.5, 291.11.6, 437D-13 |
Idaho |
Statutes: Idaho Code §§ 49-672, 49-673 |
Illinois |
Statutes: 625 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 25/4, 25/4b, 25/6, 25/6a, 5/12-603.1 215 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/143.32 |
Indiana |
Statutes: Ind. Code §§ 9-19-11-1, 9-19-11-2, 9-19-11-3.6, 9-19-11-3.7, 34-28-5-4 |
Iowa |
Statutes: Iowa Code Ann. §§ 321.446, 805.8A |
Kansas |
Statutes: Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 8-1344, 8-1345, 8-1347 |
Kentucky |
Statutes: Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 189.125, 189.990 |
Louisiana |
Statute: La. Stat. Ann. § 32:295 |
Maine |
Statute: Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 29-A, § 2081 |
Maryland |
Statutes: Navigate to this Maryland Code webpage, then click “Current Code and Rules from LexisNexis.” Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Md. Code § 5-640: Courts and Judicial Proceedings > Title 5 > Subtitle 6 Md. Code § 16-113: Transportation > Title 16 > Subtitle 1 Md. Code § 22-412.2: Transportation > Title 22 > Subtitle 4 |
Massachusetts |
Statutes: Mass. Gen. Laws. Ann ch. 90, §§ 1G, 7AA, 13A Mass. Gen. Laws. Ann ch. 6, § 15DDDDDD
|
Michigan
|
Statutes: Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §§ 257.710d, 257.710e, 257.710g, 257.907
|
Minnesota
|
Statutes: Minn. Stat. Ann. §§ 169.685, 169.686, 357.021, 65B.472 |
Mississippi
|
Statutes: Navigate to this Mississippi Code webpage. Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-301, 63-7-309: Title 63 > Chapter 7 > Child Passenger Restraint Devices Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-2-1, 63-2-7: Title 63 > Chapter 2 |
Missouri
|
Statutes: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 307.178, 307.179, 387.402 |
Montana
|
Statutes: Mont. Code Ann. §§ 61-9-420, 61-9-421, 61-9-423, 61-13-103, 61-13-104, 61-13-105 |
Nebraska
|
Statutes: Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-6,267, 60-6,268 Regulations: 250 NE ADC Ch.3 § 003 |
Nevada |
Statutes: Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 484B.157, 484D.495 |
New Hampshire |
Statute: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 265:107-a |
New Jersey |
Statutes: N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:3-76.2a et seq. |
New Mexico |
Statutes: N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 66-7-369, 66-7-373, 66-8-116 Regulations: NM ADC 18.19.5, 8.21.540 |
New York |
Statutes: N.Y. Veh. & Traf. §§ 1229-c, 1691, 375 Regulations: 15 NY ADC 131.3 |
North Carolina |
Statutes: N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 20-137.1, 20-137.5 |
North Dakota |
Statutes: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 39-06.1-06, 39-06.1-10, 39-21-41.2 Regulations: N.D. ADC 75-02-01.2-67 |
Ohio |
Statutes: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3942.01, 4511.81 Regulations: OAC 4501-21-06 |
Oklahoma |
Statutes: 47 Okla. Stat. Ann. §§ 1011, 11-1112, 12-417 Regulations: Okla. Admin. Code 595:55-5-1 |
Oregon |
Statutes: Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 153.019, 811.210, 811.215 |
Pennsylvania |
Statutes: 67 Pa. Code § 102.102, 75 Pa. Code §§ 4581, 4582, 4583, 4586 |
Rhode Island |
Statutes: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-22-22, 31-41.1-4, Regulations: 815-RICR- § 50-10-3.1 et seq., § 50-10-5.2 |
South Carolina |
Statutes: S.C. Code §§ 56-5-6410 et seq., 56-5-6520 et seq., 58-23-1610 Regulations: S.C. Code of Regulations R. § 38-600 |
South Dakota |
Statutes: S.D. Codified Laws §§ 22-6-7, 23-1A-22, 32-37-1, 32-37-1.1 Regulations: ARSD 61:18:02:03 |
Tennessee |
Statutes: Navigate to this Tennessee Code webpage, then click “View Tennessee Code”. Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-111: Title 40 > Chapter 35 > Part 1 Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-9-602, 55-9-607, 55-9-610: Title 55 > Chapter 9 > Part 6 Regulations: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-11-04-.01 et seq. |
Texas |
Statutes: Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §§ 545.412, 545.4121, 545.413 |
Utah |
Statutes: Utah Code Ann. §§ 41-6a-1803, 41-6a-1804, 41-6a-1805 Regulations: Navigate to this Utah Administrative code website, and locate the “Results” tab. Instructions for how to locate each regulation are below: U.A.C. R909-19-15: Transportation > Motor Carrier (909) |
Vermont |
Statutes: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 23. §§ 750, 1258 |
Virginia |
Statutes: Va. Code Ann. §§ 8.01-226.5, 46.2-1095, 46.2-1096, 46.2-1097, 46.2-1098, 46.2-2000 |
Washington |
Statutes: Wash. Rev. Code Ann. §§ 3.62.090, 43.59.170, 46.61.687, 46.61.6871, 46.61.688, 46.61.6885, 46.63.110, 46.64.055 |
West Virginia |
Statutes: W. Va. Code §§ 17-29-2, 17C-15-46, 17C-15-49 Regulations: W. Va. Code St. R. § 126-44H W. Va. Code St. R. § 151-1 Attachment A Statutes: W. Va. Code §§ 17-29-2, 17C-15-46, 17C-15-49 Regulations: W. Va. Code St. R. § 126-44H W. Va. Code St. R. § 151-1 Attachment A |
Wisconsin |
Statutes: Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 347.48, 347.50 |
Wyoming |
Statutes: Navigate to this Wyoming Code webpage. Instructions for how to locate each statute are below: Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 31-5-1302, 31-5-1303, 31-5-1304: Title 31 > Chapter 5 > Article 13 Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-1402: Title 31 > Chapter 5 > Article 14 |
State Law Summary
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Alabama, Ala. Code §§ 32-5-222 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified.[1] |
Applies to children younger than 6. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. 1 point assigned to license for first-time CRS or child seat belt violations, 2 points assigned to license for second-time or subsequent CRS or child seat belt violations. |
Portion of CRS fine used to provide low-income families with CRS vouchers. CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis, vehicles with seating capacity of 11 or more. |
Alaska, Alaska Stat. Ann. §§ 28.05.095, 28.05.099, 09.65.094 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing specified.[2] |
Applies to children younger than 8, shorter than 57”, and weighing less than 65 pounds. Also applies to children aged 8-15 if shorter than 57” or less than 65 pounds. |
$50 fine and points assigned to license for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. CRS violation fines are waived if violator obtains a CRS after the violation and provides proof to a police officer. |
Yes |
None. |
Arizona, A.R.S. §§ 28-907, 28-909 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Applies to all children younger than 5, children younger than 8 and shorter than 58”. |
$50 fine for CRS violations. $10 maximum fine for child seat belt violations. Seat belts – secondary enforcement. |
Hospitals must inform new parents of state CRS law and options for obtaining a CRS. A state fund is established to provide CRS to low-income families. CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Arkansas, A.C.A. §§ 27-34-102, 27-34-103, 27-34-104, 27-34-107 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 6 and weighing less than 60 pounds. |
$25-100 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS awareness and education campaigns, state program established to lend CRS to hospitals, organizations, and individuals who need them. CRS fine reduced to minimum if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
California, Cal Vehicle Code §§ 12810, 27315, 27360, 27362, 27363, 27365 |
Yes, parent/guardian are responsible if present in vehicle. |
Yes, parent/guardian are responsible if present in vehicle. |
Yes, rear-facing specified, front seat restrictions, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[3] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$100 fine and one point assigned to license for a first-time CRS or child seat belt violation, $250 fine and one point assigned to license for subsequent violations. Violators may be required to attend a CRS training class. |
CRS education campaigns. Hospitals must inform new parents of state CRS law and options for obtaining a CRS. Car rental companies must inform customers about state CRS laws. Low-income CRS or seat belt violators can have their fines waived by attending a class. CRS fines used to fund education campaigns & distribute CRS. |
Yes |
None. |
Colorado, C.R.S.A. §§ 42-4-236, 42-4-1701, 42-2-105.5 |
Yes, parent/guardian are responsible if present in vehicle, otherwise driver is responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[4] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
$81 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. Additional penalties for CRS or child seat belt violations when driver is younger than 18.[5] |
CRS education campaigns. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Connecticut, C.G.S.A. § 14-100a
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[6] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and weighing less than 60 pounds. |
$50-190 fine for CRS violations. $50-75 fine for child seat belt violations.[7] |
First or second-time CRS violators must attend a CRS safety course or risk license suspension. |
Yes |
None. |
Delaware, 21 Del. Code § 4803 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, front seat restrictions.[8] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and weighing 65 pounds or less. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS awareness campaigns, health insurance credit for seat belt usage.[9] |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Florida, F.S.A. §§ 316.613, 316.614, 318.18
|
Yes, parent or guardian responsible. |
Yes, parent or guardian responsible. |
No |
Applies to children younger than 6. |
$63 fine and 3 points added to license for CRS violations. $30 fine for child seat belt violations.
|
CRS and seat belt awareness campaigns, CRS violation fines and license points can be waived by attending a class. New vehicle license tags must include information about CRS requirements. |
Yes |
CRS requirement does not apply to taxi or rideshare drivers, but parents/guardians must still comply. |
Georgia, Ga. Code Ann. §§ 40-5-57 40-8-76, 40-8-76.1, 51-1-20.2 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, front seat restrictions, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[10] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and 57” or shorter. |
$50 fine and 1 point assigned to license for first-time CRS violation, $100 fine and 2 points assigned to license for subsequent violations. $25 fine to driver for child seat belt violations. |
CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Hawaii, HRS §§ 235-15, 291-11.5, 291.11.6, 437D-13 |
No |
No |
Yes, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[11] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 58”. |
$100-500 fine and mandatory CRS safety course for CRS and child seat belt violations (if child is younger than 8). $45 fine for all other seat belt violations, additional fees for all CRS or seat belt violations.[12] |
$25 state income tax credit provided for individuals who purchase a CRS. Rental car companies must provide customers information about state CRS laws. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt commercial vehicles, which include taxis and ridesharing. |
Idaho, I.C. §§ 49-672, 49-673[13] |
No |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 7. |
$84 fine for CRS violations. $10 fine for child seat belt violations. |
Seat belt usage campaigns and annual reports. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts commercial vehicles, which include taxis and ridesharing.[14] |
Illinois, 625 ILCS 25/4, 25/4b 25/6, 25/6a, 5/12-603.1; 215 ILCS 5/143.32 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing specified, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[15] |
Applies to child passengers of noncommercial vehicles who are younger than 8. Applies to child passengers of all vehicles who are younger than 2, shorter than 40”, and weighing less than 40 pounds.[16] |
$75 fine for 1st CRS violation, $200 for subsequent violations. $25 maximum fine to driver for child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator learns how to install a CRS from a technician. Auto insurance covers CRS replacement after crash. |
Yes |
CRS requirements for children age 2-7 do not apply to commercial vehicles. Child seat belt requirement exempts backseat taxi passengers.16 |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Indiana, IC §§ 9-19-11-1, 9-19-11-2, 9-19-11-3.6 9-19-11-3.7 34-28-5-4 |
No |
No |
Yes, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[17] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS fund uses CRS fines to distribute CRS to low-income individuals. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis and ridesharing. |
Iowa, I.C.A. §§ 321.446, 805.8A |
Yes, responsibility depends on child’s age.[18] |
Yes, responsibility depends on child’s age.18 |
Yes, rear-facing specified, exemptions when no seat belts are available.[19] |
Applies to children younger than 6, some children aged 6-17.[20] |
$135 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations.18 |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. Seat belt educational campaigns. |
Yes |
None. |
Kansas, K.S.A. §§ 8-1344, 8-1345, 8-1347 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[21] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds or shorter than 57”. |
$60 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS educational campaigns. |
Yes |
None. |
Kentucky, KRS §§ 189.125, 189.990 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Applies to children shorter than 41” or younger than 8 and shorter than 58”. |
$50 fine for CRS violations when child is shorter than 41”, $30 fine for all other CRS violations. $25 fine for child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Louisiana, LSA-R.S. 32:295 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[22] |
Applies to children younger than 9 and to children who do not exceed the height limit of their CRS. |
$100-500 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations, can be primarily enforced.[23] |
CRS educational campaigns. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Maine, 29-A M.R.S.A. § 2081 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[24] |
Applies to children younger than 8, shorter than 57”, and weighing less than 80 pounds. |
$50-250 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations.[25] |
None. |
Yes |
None. |
Maryland, MD Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, § 5-640; Transportation, §§ 16-113, 22-412.2 |
No |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$50 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations, other penalties for drivers with provisional licenses.[26] |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. CRS educational campaigns. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis and ridesharing. |
Massachusetts M.G.L.A. 90 § 1G, 90 § 7AA, 90 § 13A, 6 § 15DDDDDD |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 58”. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations, driver additionally fined $25 for each child aged 12-15 who violates seat belt law. Seat belt law is secondarily enforced. |
Sale, lease, or rental of low-speed motor vehicles requires an accompanying notice which describes the state’s CRS and seat belt laws. May is declared Seat belt Awareness Month. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Michigan, M.C.L.A. §§ 257.710d, 257.710e, 257.710g, 257.907
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, front seat restrictions.[27] |
Applies to children younger than 4 or children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$10 maximum fine for CRS violations. $25 fine for child seat belt violations. Seat belts are primarily enforced. |
CRS fine may be waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS grant program provides funds for CRS training, education, and promotion. Secretary of State mandated to promote compliance with seat belt law. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. |
Minnesota, M.S.A. §§ 169.685, 169.686, 357.021, 65B.472 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$50 fine for CRS violations. $25 fine for child seat belt violations with an additional $75 court surcharge, responsibility varies based on age of violator.[28] |
CRS fines are used to distribute CRS to low-income families, school districts, and child care programs, as well as to fund CRS educational programs. CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court within 14 days. Rental car companies are required to make CRS available to rent “at a reasonable rate.” |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. |
Mississippi, Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-301, 63-7-309, 63-2-1, 63-2-7 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[29] |
Applies to children younger than 7 and shorter than 57” or weighing less than 65 pounds. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
None. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Missouri, V.A.M.S. §§ 307.178, 307.179, 387.402
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[30] |
Applies to all children under 4 and all children who weigh less than 40 pounds. Also applies to children under 8 who are shorter than 57” and weigh less than 80 pounds. |
$50 maximum fine for CRS violations. $10 maximum fine for child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS and seat belt compliance campaigns. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt public carriers for-hire which includes taxis. |
Montana, MCA §§ 61-9-420, 61-9-421, 61-9-423, 61-13-103, 61-13-104, 61-13-105 |
Yes, ambiguous responsibility. |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 6 and weighing less than 60 pounds. |
$100 maximum fine for CRS violations. $20 fine for child seat belt violations, points cannot be assessed for seat belt violations. CRS and child seat belt requirements for passengers younger than 6 and weighing less than 60 pounds are primarily enforced, all other seat belt requirements are secondarily enforced. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court within 7 days. Seat belt education campaigns. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. |
Nebraska, Neb, Rev, Stat §§ 60-6,267, 60-6,268; 250 NE ADC Ch. 3, § 003 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[31] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. Child seat belt requirements are secondarily enforced. |
CRS and seat belt educational campaigns. Driver’s safety training programs taken by drivers who commit minor traffic violations must include content about seat belt and CRS usage. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Nevada, N.R.S. §§ 484B.157, 484D.495 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 6 and weighing 60 pounds or less. |
$100-1000 fine, 10-100 hours of community service, or 30-180 day license suspension for CRS violations. $25 fine or community service assigned to driver for child seat belt violations.[32] |
CRS violators must be provided with list of CRS resources at the time of sentencing. If a violator purchases a CRS after a CRS violation and provides proof to the court within 60 days of sentencing, the fines or community service will be waived for a first-time violator or reduced by half for a second-time violator. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
New Hampshire, N.H. Rev. Stat. § 265:107-a
|
No |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 7 and shorter than 57”. |
$50 fine for first CRS or child seat belt violations, $100 fine for subsequent violations. |
None. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts for-hire vehicles, which include taxis and ridesharing. |
New Jersey, N.J.S.A. §§ 39:3-76.2a et seq. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[33] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$50-75 fine for CRS violations. $20 fine assigned to driver for child seat belt violations, points cannot be assessed for seat belt violations.[34] |
CRS and seat belt educational campaigns. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
New Mexico, N.M.S.A. §§ 66-7-369, 66-7-373, 66-8-116; NM ADC 18.19.5, 8.21.540
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[35] |
Applies to children younger than 7 or weighing less than 60 pounds. |
$25 fine and 2 points assigned to license for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS distribution and training programs for newborn children from low-income families. CRS and seat belt educational campaigns. |
Yes |
None. |
New York, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. §§ 1229-c, 1691, 375; 15 NY ADC 131.3
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[36] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
$25-100 fine and 3 points assigned to license for CRS and child seat belt violations. $50 fine assigned to parent/guardian for child seat belt violations in taxis. |
CRS fine waived if first-time violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court before their court appearance. Rental car companies required to post information about CRS requirements. Taxis required to post sign encouraging seat belt use. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. Child seat belt requirement only requires child taxi passengers to wear seat belts if they are age 8 or older. |
North Carolina, N.C.G.S.A. §§ 20-137.1, 20-137.5
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, front seat restrictions, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[37] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds. |
$25 fine and two points assigned to license for CRS and child seat belt violations. Fine cannot exceed $25 in cases where more than one child is improperly restrained. |
Driver education programs include information encouraging seat belt use. CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
North Dakota, NDCC §§ 39-06.1-06, 39-06.1-10, 39-21-41.2, ND ADC 75-02-01.2-67
|
Yes, responsibility is unclear. |
Yes, responsibility is unclear. |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$25 fine and one point assigned to license for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
Low-income families can be reimbursed for CRS purchases. |
Yes |
None. |
Ohio, R.C. §§ 3942.01, 4511.81; OAC 4501-21-06
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57” or weighing less than 40 pounds. |
$25-75 fine for first-time CRS or child seat belt violations, which are minor misdemeanors. Second-time CRS or child seat belt violations are 4th degree misdemeanors. Maximum of one citation in cases where more than one child is improperly restrained. CRS violations for children age 4 or older or child seat belt violations are secondarily enforced, implied primary enforcement for all other CRS violations.[38] |
CRS violation fines are used to fund a CRS education program and a CRS distribution program for low-income families. Remedial driving course curriculum must include information about seat belts and CRS. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Oklahoma, 47 Okl. St.Ann. §§ 1011, 11-1112, 12-417; Okla. Admin. Code 595:55-5-1;
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing specified, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[39] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and 57” or shorter. |
$50 fine for CRS violations. $50 fine for child seat belt violations when child is age 8 or is younger than 8 and taller than 57”. $20 maximum fine for all other child seat belt violations when child is a front seat passenger. No points assigned to license for any CRS or seat belt violation. |
CRS fine reduced to $15 if first-time violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. CRS violation fines are used to promote CRS use. |
Yes, required for all front seat passengers and children age 8 or younger than 8 and taller than 57”. |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. Child seat belt requirement for children age 8 or younger than 8 and taller than 57” exempts taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Oregon, O.R.S. §§ 153.019, 811.210, 811.215
|
Yes, responsibility is unclear. |
Yes, responsibility is unclear. |
Yes, rear-facing specified.[40] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57” or weighing 40 pounds or less. |
$115 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
None. |
Yes |
For-hire drivers (which include ridesharing and taxis) do not need to enforce CRS requirements. |
Pennsylvania, 67 Pa. Code §§ 102.102, 75 Pa. Code §§ 4581, 4582, 4583, 4586
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, rear-facing specified, exemptions when no seat belts are available.[41] |
Applies to children younger than 8, shorter than 57”, and weighing 80 pounds or less. |
$75 fine for CRS violations. $10 fine assigned to driver for child seat belt violations, implied primary enforcement. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS fines fund a program that loans CRS to low-income families. Hospitals must provide resources to obtain a CRS to parents of newborn children. CRS educational campaigns. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. |
Yes |
None. |
Rhode Island, R.I. Gen Laws §§ 31-22-22, 31-41.1-4; 815-RICR- 50-10-3.1 et seq, 50-10-5.2
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible, and driver must refuse service to passengers who refuse to use a CRS when required by law. |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[42] |
Applies to children younger than 8, shorter than 57”, and weighing less than 80 pounds. |
$85 fine for CRS violations, $40 fine for not securing child in rear seat when required. $50-100 fine to taxi drivers for operating taxi with an unsecured child passenger. $40 fine for child seat belt violations. Implied primary enforcement for CRS and child seat belt laws.[43] |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court within 7 days. Seat belt educational campaigns. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
South Carolina, S.C. Code §§ 56-5-6410 et seq., 56-5-6520 et seq., 58-23-1610; S.C. Code of Regulations R. 38-600 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[44] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$150 maximum fine for CRS violations. $25 fine assigned to driver for each child seat belt violation, maximum $50 fine for any incident. CRS and seat belts – primary enforcement. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. Seat belt educational campaigns. CRS must be available for immediate release by wrecker services after a vehicle is towed. Law prohibits seat belt checkpoints (inhibits compliance). |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. |
South Dakota, SDCL §§ 22-6-7, 23-1A-22, 32-37-1, 32-37-1.1, ARSD 61:18:02:03 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Applies to children younger than 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds. |
$25 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations which are petty offenses. No points assessed to license for seat belt violations. |
None. |
Yes |
None. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Tennessee, T.C.A. §§ 40-35-111, 55-9-602, 55-9-607, 55-9-610; Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-11-04-.01 et seq.
|
Yes, driver responsible.[45] |
Yes, driver responsible.45 |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[46] |
Applies to all children younger than 4, and children aged 4–8 who are shorter than 57”. |
$50 maximum fine and/or mandatory CRS class and/or 30 days maximum prison time for CRS violations. $50 fine or court appearance for child seat belt violations, responsibility varies.[47] |
Rental car companies are required to make CRS available to rent “at a reasonable rate.” Hospitals must inform new parents about state CRS laws. State health officials must provide information about CRS to obstetrics clinics for prospective parents. CRS and child seat belt fines fund the purchase and distribution of CRS. CRS and seat belt educational campaigns. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. |
Yes |
None. |
Texas, TX Transp. Code §§ 545.412, 545.4121, 545.413
|
No |
No |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$25-250 fine for CRS violations. $100-200 fine for child seat belt violations. |
CRS and seat belt awareness campaigns, CRS usage taught during driver’s ed, CRS distributed to low-income families. CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation. Court may require CRS violators to attend a CRS safety course. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts for hire vehicles, which include taxis and ridesharing. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Utah, U.C.A. §§ 41-6a-1803, 41-6a-1804, 41-6a-1805; U.A.C. R909-19-15 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$45 maximum fine for CRS and child seat belt violations, no points assessed to license for either violation. Multiple CRS or child seat belt violations during any one incident are only considered as one violation. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS are considered life-essential property and must be given to a vehicle owner after their vehicle is towed, even when the vehicle owner has not paid for towing services. |
Yes |
None. |
Vermont, 23 V.S.A. §§ 750, 1258
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[48] |
Children under 8 or weighing less than 20 pounds must be in a CRS. Children aged 8–17 must be secured in a CRS or seat belt. |
$25-100 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations.[49] |
None. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Virginia, VA Code Ann. §§ 8.01-226.5, 46.2-1095, 46.2-1096, 46.2-1097, 46.2-1098, 46.2-2000 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[50] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
$50-500 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations, no points assigned to license for either violation. $20 fine for failure to carry CRS or seat belt medical exemption.[51] |
CRS and child seat belt fines fund the purchase and distribution of CRS to low-income families. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. CRS fines waived or suspended if violator could not afford to purchase a CRS. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Washington, RCWA §§ 3.62.090 43.59.170, 46.61.687, 46.61.6871, 46.61.688, 46.61.6885 46.63.110 46.64.055[52]
|
No |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[53] |
Applies to all children younger than 4 or shorter than 57”. |
$139 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations.[54] |
CRS fine waived if a first-time violator purchases a CRS and provides proof to the court within 7 days of violation. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. CRS and seat belt educational programs. |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts for-hire vehicles, which include taxis and ridesharing. |
West Virginia, W. Va. Code §§ 17-29-2, 17C-15-46, 17C-15-49; W. Va. Code St. R. § 126-44H Appendix; W. Va. Code St. R. § 151-1 Attachment A
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, exemptions when there are not enough seat belts.[55] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$10-20 fine for CRS violations. $25 fine for child seat belt violations, no points assessed to license for seat belt violations. |
Seat belt educational program. Importance of CRS and seat belt usage taught during driver’s ed. State public employee insurance plan includes a surcharge for ER services due to failure to use a seat belt. Medical damages can be reduced if plaintiff was not wearing a seat belt.[56] |
Yes |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. |
State, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Wisconsin, W.S.A. §§ 347.48, 347.50 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified, front seat restrictions.[57] |
Applies to children younger than 8, 57” or shorter, and weighing 80 pounds or less. |
$30-75 fine for CRS violations when child is younger than 4. $10-200 fine for CRS violations when child is age 4-7. $10 fine assigned to driver for child seat belt violations.[58] |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS within 30 days of violation and provides proof to the court (only if violator has not violated the CRS law within the past 3 years). Seat belt educational program. Damages can be reduced if plaintiffs were not wearing their seat belt.[59] |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Wyoming, W.S. §§ 31-5-1302, 31-5-1303, 31-5-1304, 31-5-1402 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, front seat restrictions.[60] |
Applies to children younger than 9. |
$50-100 fine for CRS violations. $25 fine assigned to driver for child seat belt violations when child is younger than 12. $10 fine assigned to child for child seat belt violations when child is age 12. Seat belt violations – secondary enforcement.[61] |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. If a driver is pulled over for an unrelated motor vehicle or traffic offense and the driver and all passengers are in compliance with the state seat belt law, the driver will receive a $10 credit for any fine issued for the offense. |
Yes |
None. |
* In cases where the CRS requirements applied to both ridesharing and taxis, these requirements were identical except where otherwise indicated.
[1] Alabama law specifies that infant-only and convertible seats must be rear-facing until the child reaches the age of one or weighs at least 20 pounds. Additionally, convertible seats must be forward-facing until the child reaches the age of five or weighs at least 40 pounds.
[2] Alaska law specifies that children must be restrained in a rear-facing child safety seat until the child reaches the age of one and weighs at least 20 pounds.
[3] California law requires children younger than 2, shorter than 40”, and weighing less than 40 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS. California law also specifies that children under 8 cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle except under special circumstances. California law allows children weighing more than 40 pounds to be secured by only a lap belt in a rear seat if only lap belts are available in the rear seat(s) of the vehicle.
[4] Colorado law specifies that children younger than 1 and weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing CRS in a rear seat. Children aged 1-3 and weighing 20-39 pounds must be restrained in either a rear-facing or a forward-facing child safety seat.
[5] Colorado law states that a child’s parent/guardian are responsible for violations of state CRS and child seat belt laws if they are present in the vehicle, otherwise the driver is responsible. Colorado law also describes that any drivers younger than 18 (minors) who operate a vehicle are responsible for any CRS or seat belt violation by an occupant of the vehicle. Minors are subject to 8-24 hours of community service for their first offense and 16-48 hours of community service for any subsequent offense. Minors are also subject to a $65 maximum fine for their first offense, a $130 maximum fine for their second offense, and a $195 fine for any subsequent offenses, with 2 points added to their license for any offense.
[6] Connecticut law requires children younger than 2 or weighing less than 30 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS. Connecticut law specifies that a child cannot be transported in a rear-facing CRS in the front seat when the vehicle is equipped with a passenger air bag. Connecticut law also requires children age 2-4 or weighing 30-39 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing or forward-facing CRS. Connecticut law specifies that children age 5-7 or weighing 40-59 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing or forward-facing CRS or in a booster seat.
[7] Connecticut law specifies that first-time CRS violations are infractions, second-time violations subject to a $190 maximum fine, and third or subsequent violations are class A misdemeanors. Law also provides a $50 fine for seat belt violations, fine increases to $75 when vehicle operator is under 18 years old. See also C.G.S.A. § 51-164m.
[8] Delaware law prohibits children shorter than 66” and younger than 12 from sitting in a front seat if the seat is behind an active airbag.
[9] Delaware law establishes an awareness campaign to teach the public about the CRS law and also to encourage correct usage of CRS and seat belts. The importance of seat belt usage is also taught in K-12 public schools (§ 122), and foster parents are trained on how to properly use a CRS (201-37.0). Delaware regulation provides an example of a health plan which provides a 5% credit to the insured for using seat belts while in a vehicle (1306-5.0).
[10] Georgia law states that children younger than 8 and weighing 40 pounds or more may be secured in the rear seat by a lap belt only when the vehicle is not equipped with lap and shoulder belts or all lap and shoulder belts are being used to secure other children. Georgia law also requires children younger than 8 to be seated in a rear seat unless all rear seats are occupied by other children or there are no rear seats, in which case the child may be secured in the front seat.
[11] Hawaii law specifies that, for children aged 4-7, if the child weighs more than 40 pounds and the vehicle is only equipped with lap belts, the child may be secured using only a lap belt as long as the child is seated in a rear seat.
[12] Hawaii provides up to a $100 fine for a first-time CRS violation, a $100-200 fine for a second-time CRS violation, and a $200-500 fine for a third-time or subsequent CRS violation that occurs within three years of any other CRS violation. Hawaii law also states that, for each CRS violation, the violator is required to attend a CRS safety class and pay a $50 driver assessment fee. If violators have already attended this class, then they are exempt from this requirement. CRS and seat belt violators must also pay an additional $10 fine which is transferred to Hawaii’s neurotrauma special fund, and may also be required to pay another $10 fine which is transferred to Hawaii’s trauma system special fund.
[13] The Idaho Supreme Court sets the infraction penalty schedule. The most recent version, dated July 1, 2020, is available here: https://isc.idaho.gov/files/IIR9(b)-Appendix-A-Infraction-Penalty-Schedule-July-1-2020.pdf
[14] Idaho law states that the CRS requirement only applies to noncommercial vehicles (§ 49-672), and that ridesharing vehicles are “not a taxicab or for-hire vehicle” (§ 49-3703). Idaho law also states that noncommercial vehicles are vehicles “not held out for hire…or occupation for compensation or profit” (§ 49-123), suggesting that ridesharing and taxis are considered commercial vehicles.
[15] Illinois law states that children younger than 2, shorter than 40”, and weighing less than 40 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing CRS. Illinois law also specifies that, for children younger than 8, if the child weighs more than 40 pounds and the vehicle is only equipped with lap belts, the child may be secured using only a lap belt as long as the child is seated in a rear seat.
[16] Illinois’ CRS law has different age limits for commercial and non-commercial vehicles. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles are required to secure children under the age of 8 in a CRS, but drivers of commercial vehicles (which may including ridesharing and taxis, but not specified) must only secure children in a CRS if the child is younger than 2, shorter than 40”, and lighter than 40 pounds.
[17] Indiana law specifies that a child younger than 16 may be secured using only a lap belt if the child weighs more than 40 pounds and the vehicle is not equipped with combination lap and shoulder belts or the vehicle does have combination lap and shoulder belts but all combination lap and shoulder belts are being used by other children younger than 16.
[18] Iowa law describes that if a child passenger is under the age of 14 or is incapable of securing themselves in a seat belt and this child is not properly secured, the driver is responsible for a violation of the CRS law, except if the child is being transported in a taxi or ridesharing vehicle, in which case the child’s parent/guardian is responsible for a violation of the CRS law. Otherwise, if this child passenger is age 14 or older, the child passenger is responsible for the violation.
[19] Iowa law specifies that children younger than one year old and weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing CRS. Iowa law also describes that children seated in a rear seat do not need to be secured if no seat belts are available.
[20] Iowa law requires children ages 6-17 to be secured by either a CRS or a seat belt, depending on the CRS manufacturer’s instructions.
[21] Kansas allows children who are age 4-7 and shorter than 57” or weighing less than 80 pounds to be secured by only a lap belt if there are no combination lap and shoulder belts available. Kansas also allows a child to travel unsecured if all seating positions are in use by other children.
[22] Louisiana law requires children younger than two to be seated in a rear-facing CRS, and requires children at least four years old who have exceeded the weight limit of the rear-facing CRS to be secured in a forward-facing CRS. Louisiana law also specifies that children younger than 13 must sit in the rear seat.
[23] Louisiana provides a $100 fine for a first-time CRS or child seat belt violation, a $250-500 fine for a second-time CRS or child seat belt violation, and a $500 fine plus court costs for a third-time or subsequent CRS or child seat belt violation. Louisiana specifies that the CRS or child seat belt requirements can be primarily enforced when a police officer observes a child who is not in a CRS or seat belt, but the law can only be secondarily enforced if the child is in a CRS that is not age-appropriate. Louisiana provides a $100 maximum fine to any CRS violators who have secured their child in a CRS that is not age-appropriate.
[24] Maine law requires children younger than two to be seated in a rear-facing CRS, and specifies that children younger than 12 must sit in the rear seat whenever possible.
[25] Maine provides a $50 fine for a first-time CRS or seat belt violation, a $125 fine for a second-time CRS or seat belt violation, and a $250 fine for third-time or subsequent CRS or seat belt violations.
[26] Maryland law specifies that, if a driver with a provisional license drives a vehicle while the driver or any of their passengers are in violation of state CRS or seat belt laws, the state will impose restrictions on that driver’s provisional license.
[27] Michigan law requires children younger than four to be seated in a rear seat, unless there is no available rear seat, in which case the child may be seated in the front seat, but only if the front seat passenger airbag is disabled for a rear-facing CRS. Michigan also allows a child age 8-15 to travel without being secured by a seat belt in cases where all available seat belts are being used by other children. In these cases, the child must be seated in a rear seat while unsecured, except when the vehicle is a pickup truck that only has front seats, in which case the child may sit in a front seat while unsecured.
[28] Minnesota specifies that if a person aged 15 years old or older commits a seat belt violation, they will be fined $25. Minnesota also provides a $25 fine for any driver who commits a seat belt violation, and an additional $25 fine to the driver for each child passenger younger than 15 who commits a seat belt violation. The driver may be charged the $75 surcharge associated with this fine only once, regardless of how many seat belt violations are present in the vehicle.
[29] Mississippi law states if there are more than two children seated in the rear seat, all of whom are required to use a booster seat, and there are only two lap and shoulder belts available, then the third child can be secured with only a lap belt.
[30] Missouri law states that, if a vehicle’s rear seat is not equipped with a combination lap and shoulder belt, then a child who would otherwise be required to sit in a booster seat may be secured with only a lap belt. Missouri law also describes that, when drivers are transporting children in their immediate family and there are more children than seating positions, it is permissible for children who are not able to be restrained by a CRS to sit unsecured behind the front seat of the vehicle.
[31] Nebraska law requires children younger than two to be secured in a rear-facing CRS until the child exceeds the height or weight limit specified by the CRS manufacturer. Nebraska also specifies that children younger than eight must be secured in a CRS which cannot be in a front seat.
[32] Nevada provides a $100-500 fine or 10-50 hours of mandatory community service for a first-time CRS violation, a $500-1000 fine or 50-100 hours of mandatory community service for a second-time CRS violation, and a 30-180 day license suspension for a third-time or subsequent CRS violation. Nevada law explains that seat belt violation penalties for children younger than 18 apply to the driver, but in cases where both the driver and a child are not wearing seat belts, the driver will only be penalized for one seat belt violation.
[33] New Jersey requires children younger than two and weighing less than 30 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS with a five-point harness. New Jersey also requires children younger than four and weighing less than 40 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS with a five-point harness until the child exceeds the height or weight limit specified by the CRS manufacturer, at which point the child is required to be secured in a forward-facing CRS with a five-point harness in a rear seat. New Jersey specifies that children younger than eight and shorter than 57” should be secured in a forward-facing CRS with a five-point harness until the child exceeds the height or weight limit specified by the CRS manufacturer, at which point the child is required to be restrained in a booster seat in a rear seat. In cases where there are no rear seats, New Jersey allows children to be seated in a front seat but prohibits the use of rear-facing CRS in a front seat when the front passenger airbag is not disabled.
[34] New Jersey allows for primary enforcement of front seat belt violations, but only allows secondary enforcement of rear seat violations.
[35] New Mexico requires children younger than one to be secured in a rear-facing CRS in a rear seat, except in cases where a rear seat is unavailable, where the child may sit in the front seat only if the passenger air bag is deactivated. New Mexico also includes a description of correct seat belt use for children, which specifies that the lap belt should lay across the child’s hips and thighs, not their abdomen, and that the shoulder belt should lay across the child’s chest, not their neck.
[36] New York requires children younger than two to be secured in a rear-facing CRS, except when the child exceeds the height or weight limit specified by the CRS manufacturer, at which point the child is required to be secured in a forward-facing CRS. New York also specifies that children younger than 4 and weighing more than 40 pounds or children age 4-7 may be secured with a lap belt when there are no available combination lap and shoulder belts, or all combination lap and shoulder belts are in use by other passengers younger than 16. New York allows children of any age to sit in either the front or rear seat.
[37] North Carolina requires children younger than five and weighing less than 40 pounds to be secured in a rear seat if the vehicle is equipped with an active front seat airbag, unless the child is secured in a CRS that is designed to be used with airbags. North Carolina also allows children younger than eight and weighing between 40 and 80 pounds to be restrained by a lap belt in cases where no combination lap and shoulder belts are available.
[38] Ohio law specifies that, when more than one child is not properly restrained in a vehicle at a given time, this is only counted as one CRS violation. Ohio also specifies that seat belt and booster seat violations are secondarily enforced, with implied primary enforcement for all other CRS violations.
[39] Oklahoma requires children younger than two to be secured in a rear-facing CRS unless the child exceeds the height or weight limit specified by the CRS manufacturer. Oklahoma law allows children weighing more than 40 pounds to be secured in a rear seat by a lap belt if there are no available lap and shoulder belts.
[40] Oregon requires children younger than two to be secured in a rear-facing CRS. Oregon law also requires children 57” or shorter and weighing more than 40 pounds to be seated in a booster seat, and includes a description of how the seat belt should fit, specifying that the lap belt should lay across the child’s thighs and the shoulder belt should lay across the child’s collarbone.
[41] Pennsylvania requires children younger than two to be secured in a rear-facing CRS unless the child exceeds the height or weight limit specified by the CRS manufacturer. Pennsylvania also specifies that children age 4-7 may be secured without a booster seat or a CRS when there are no available seating positions with seat belts.
[42] Rhode Island requires all children under 8 to be seated in a rear seat, but allows these children to be secured in a front seat if the vehicle has no rear seats or all rear seats are occupied by other children. Rhode Island also requires children younger than two or weighing less than 30 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS, then requires children age two or older or who exceed the height or weight limit of the CRS manufacturer to be secured in a forward-facing CRS.
[43] Rhode Island provides penalties for taxi drivers who operate their vehicle without securing a child in a CRS as required. This penalty is a $50 fine for first-time offenders, a $100 fine for second-time offenders, and a mandatory fitness hearing for third-time or subsequent offenders.
[44] South Carolina requires children younger than 2 to be secured in a rear-facing CRS in a rear seat. South Carolina then requires children who exceed the height or weight limit specified by the rear-facing CRS manufacturer to be secured in a forward-facing CRS in a rear seat. South Carolina specifies that children at least 4 years old who have exceeded the height or weight limit specified by the forward-facing CRS manufacturer must be seated in a belt-positioning booster seat in a rear seat that is secured by a combination lap and shoulder belt. Children at least 8 years old or at least 57” tall may be secured by a combination lap and shoulder belt alone if the lap belt lays across the child’s hips and thighs, the shoulder belt lays across the child’s chest, and, while sitting straight up in their seat, the child’s knees can reach and bend over the edge of their seat. In cases where a vehicle does not have any rear seats, or all rear seats are occupied by other children younger than 8, South Carolina allows a child under 8 to be seated in the front seat if the child is secured in an appropriate CRS as described above.
[45] Tennessee law describes that, in cases where a vehicle is equipped with an automated driving system, the parent or guardian of the child is responsible for compliance with state CRS requirements.
[46] Tennessee requires children younger than 1 and weighing 20 pounds or less to be seated in a rear-facing CRS in a rear seat if available. Tennessee then requires children age 1-3 and weighing more than 20 pounds to be secured in a forward-facing CRS in a rear seat if available. Tennessee additionally specifies that children age 4-8 and shorter than 57” need to be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat in a rear seat if available.
[47] Tennessee law allows CRS violators to be required to attend a court-approved class about safe transportation of children in vehicles. CRS violators may also be required to pay a fee to attend this class. Tennessee also limits child seat belt violation citations to one citation per incident. Tennessee specifies that, when a child is required to be secured by a seat belt, if the driver is not a parent/legal guardian of the child, and the parent/legal guardian is present in the vehicle, then that parent/legal guardian is responsible for securing their child with a seat belt. Otherwise, the driver is responsible for securing the child with a seat belt. However, if the vehicle is operated by an automated driving system, Tennessee specifies that any human(s) who accompany the child is/are responsible for ensuring the child is secured by a seat belt. If no human accompanies the child in the autonomous vehicle, then the child’s parent/legal guardian is responsible for securing the child with a seat belt.
[48] Vermont law requires children younger than 1 or weighing less than 20 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS and prohibits these children from being seated in front of an active airbag.
[49] Vermont law provides a $25 fine for a first-time CRS or child seat belt violation, a $50 fine for a second-time CRS or child seat belt violation, and a $100 fine for a third-time or subsequent CRS or child seat belt violation.
[50] Virginia law requires children to be secured in a rear-facing CRS until the child is at least two years old or the child meets the minimum height and weight specified by the forward-facing CRS manufacturer, at which point the child may be secured in a forward-facing CRS. Virginia also requires children younger than 8 to be seated in a rear seat, unless there are no available rear seats, in which case the child can be seated in a front seat only if the airbag is deactivated.
[51] Virginia law provides a $50 fine for a first-time CRS or child seat belt violation, and a $500 fine for a second-time or subsequent CRS or child seat belt violation. Virginia law allows physicians to exempt children from Virginia’s CRS and child seat belt requirements for medical reasons, and requires parents to carry a signed physician statement while transporting any exempted children. Virginia law provides a $20 fine to parents who fail to carry this statement while transporting an unsecured exempted child.
[52] Washington State Courts sets the traffic infraction penalty schedule. The most recent version, dated July 1, 2015, is available here: https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/CLJIRLJ6.2.pdf
[53] Washington law requires children younger than 2 to be secured in a rear-facing CRS until the child exceeds the height or weight limits specified by the CRS manufacturer. Washington law specifies that children younger than 4 who are not secured in a rear-facing CRS must be secured in a forward-facing CRS with a harness until the child exceeds the height or weight limits specified by the CRS manufacturer. Washington law describes that children younger than 13 should be seated in a rear seat whenever possible, and exempts children who are required to be secured in a booster seat from this booster seat requirement when there is only a lap belt available.
[54] Washington State Courts provide a $48 base fine for any violation not specifically listed on their traffic infraction penalty schedule, which includes CRS and seat belt violations. RCWA § 3.62.090 provides an additional statutory fee equal to the base fine multiplied by 1.05, and RCWA § 46.63.110 also provides an additional statutory fee of $40 for each traffic infraction.
[55] West Virginia law specifies that, in cases when there are more passengers than seat belts, if all seat belts are being used to secure passengers, the driver is not in violation of the CRS law for any unsecured passenger(s).
[56] West Virginia law describes that plaintiffs seeking medical damages for a motor vehicle injury may have their award reduced by a maximum of 5% if the court finds that the plaintiff was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the injury and that the failure to wear a seat belt means that the plaintiff did not attempt to minimize any potential injuries from a car crash.
[57] Wisconsin law requires children younger than 1 or weighing less than 20 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing CRS in a rear seat if a rear seat is available. For children who do not fall in these age and weight ranges, Wisconsin law specifies that children younger than 4 or weighing less than 40 pounds need to be secured in a forward-facing CRS in a rear seat if a rear seat is available, and children who do not fall in this age and weight ranges but who are younger than 8, weighing 80 pounds or less, and 57” tall or shorter may be secured as described previously in a forward-facing CRS or in a booster seat. Wisconsin describes that children younger than 8 but weighing more than 80 pounds or taller than 57” may be secured by a seat belt.
[58] Wisconsin provides a $30-75 fine for any CRS violation involving a child younger than 4 years old. Wisconsin also provides a $10-25 fine for a first-time CRS violation involving a child age 4-7, and a $25-200 fine for a second-time or subsequent CRS violation within 3 years involving a child age 4-7.
[59] Wisconsin law describes that plaintiffs seeking damages for motor vehicle injuries or property damage may have their award reduced by a maximum of 15% if the court finds that the plaintiff or other vehicle occupants were not wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash.
[60] Wyoming prohibits children younger than 9 from being seated in the front seat unless there are no available rear seats. Wyoming also prohibits the use of a rear-facing CRS in front of an active airbag. Wyoming law specifies that children otherwise required to be secured by a CRS may be secured by a combination lap and shoulder belt if the seat belt fits the child properly and would not be dangerous to the child during a crash.
[61] Wyoming provides a $50 fine for a first-time CRS violation, and provides a $100 fine for a second-time or subsequent CRS violation. Wyoming also provides a $25 fine to the driver for failing to secure a child younger than 12 in a seat belt (if that child is not already secured in a CRS), and a fine of $10 to any passenger age 12 or older who fails to secure themselves with a seat belt.
City Laws and Policies for Child Passenger Safety in For-Hire Motor Vehicles as of January 2021
All hyperlinks and instructions provided in this table are functioning and accurate as of March 2022.
City Name |
Ordinance References and Links |
---|---|
Chicago |
§§ 2-84-195, 2-84-196, 7-36-115, 9-76-180 |
Colorado Springs |
§ 10.23.117 |
Denver |
§ 54-238 |
District of Columbia |
§§ 50-1701, 50-1702, 50-1703, 50-1704, 50-1706, 50-1708, 50-2206.18 |
Kansas City |
§§ 70-856, 70-857, 76-32 |
Louisville |
§§ 115.244, 115.251, 115.262 |
Memphis |
§ 11-36 |
New Orleans |
§§ 154-177, 154-1255 |
Oklahoma City |
§§ 1-6, 32-533, 32-534 |
Raleigh |
§§ 12-2022, 12-2028 |
Seattle |
§§ 6.310.110, 11.31.120, 11.58.195 |
Tulsa |
§§ 740, 741 |
City, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Chicago, §§ 2-84-195, 2-84-196, 7-36-115, 9-76-180 |
Not indicated. |
Not indicated. |
None indicated. |
Not indicated. |
$25 fine assigned to driver for child seat belt violations. |
People or businesses who sell CRS must post a referral document which assists customers in finding a CRS technician. Certain police officers are required to complete CRS trainings developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[1] |
Yes, required for all front seat passengers. |
None indicated. |
Colorado Springs, § 10.23.117[2] |
Yes, parent/guardian are responsible if present in vehicle, otherwise driver is responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified.[3] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
No specific fine specified at the city level. State fine is $81 for CRS or child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt for-hire vehicles, which include taxis. |
Denver, § 54-238[4]
|
Yes, parent/guardian are responsible if present in vehicle, otherwise driver is responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified.[5] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
No specific fine specified at the city level. State fine is $81 for CRS or child seat belt violations. |
None indicated. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt for-hire vehicles, which include taxis. |
City, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
District of Columbia, §§ 50-1701, 50-1702, 50-1703, 50-1704, 50-1706, 50-1708, 50-2206.18 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing specified, exemptions when no seat belts are available.[6] |
Applies to children younger than 8. |
$25-150 fine and 2 points assigned to license for CRS or child seat belt violations, violators may also be required to attend a CRS safety class. Driving while impaired carries a longer mandatory prison sentence if children are not properly secured.[7] |
Rental car companies are required to provide educational information about CRS laws to customers. Fines from CRS violations are used to provide CRS fitting stations, CRS training, and distribution of CRS to low-income families. CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Kansas City, §§ 70-856, 70-857, 76-32 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, exemptions when no seat belts or only lap belts are available.[8] |
Applies to all children under 4 and all children who weigh less than 40 pounds. Also applies to children under 8 who are shorter than 57” and weigh less than 80 pounds. |
$50 maximum fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt public carriers for-hire, which include taxis.
|
Louisville, §§ 115.244, 115.251, 115.262 |
Not indicated. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
None indicated. |
Applies to child taxi passengers who are shorter than 41”. |
None indicated. |
Taxis must post signage informing riders of CRS and seat belt requirements. |
Yes, required for all taxi passengers. |
None indicated. |
City, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Memphis, § 11-36
|
Yes, parent/guardian are responsible if present in vehicle, otherwise driver is responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing and forward-facing specified.[9] |
Applies to all children younger than 4, and children aged 4–8 who are shorter than 60”.
|
$50 maximum fine for CRS and child seat belt violations which are considered misdemeanors. |
Seat belt violation fines are used to purchase CRS for low-income families. Rental car companies are required to provide CRS for rent “at a reasonable rate.” CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt vehicles used for public livery conveyance, which include taxis. |
New Orleans, §§ 154-177, 154-1255
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, front seat restrictions, exemptions when no seat belts are available.[10] |
Applies to children younger than 5. |
$50 fine for CRS and child seat belt violations. |
None indicated. |
Yes, required for children age 3-5 who are not in a CRS. |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
Oklahoma City, §§ 1-6, 32-533, 32-534 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[11] |
Applies to children younger than 6. |
$500 maximum fine for CRS or child seat belt violations. CRS and child seat belt violations – primary enforcement. |
None indicated. |
Yes |
CRS and child seat belt requirements exempt taxis. |
City, Citation |
CRS Required? |
General CRS Requirements |
Seat belt required for children younger than 13 who are not in a CRS? |
Exceptions to CRS and seat belt requirements for ridesharing or taxis |
||||
Ridesharing* |
Taxis* |
Seating position specifications |
Ages, weights, and heights for which any CRS is required |
Penalties for violations |
Means of enhancing compliance |
|||
Raleigh, §§ 12-2022, 12-2028 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, front seat restrictions, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[12] |
Applies to child taxi or ridesharing passengers who are younger than 9. Applies to all other child passengers who are younger than 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds. |
Taxi licenses may be revoked for CRS or child seat belt violations. |
None indicated. |
Yes |
None indicated. |
Seattle, §§ 6.310.110, 11.31.120, 11.58.195 |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, driver responsible. |
Yes, front seat restrictions, exemptions when only lap belts are available.[13] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and shorter than 57”. |
$250 maximum fine for CRS or child seat belt violations. |
CRS fine waived if violator purchases a CRS and provides proof to the court within 7 days of violation. |
Yes |
None indicated. |
Tulsa, §§ 740, 741
|
Yes, driver responsible. |
No |
Yes, rear-facing specified.[14] |
Applies to children younger than 8 and 57” or shorter. |
$50 fine for CRS violations. $50 fine for child seat belt violations when child is age 8 or is younger than 8 and taller than 57”. $20 fine for child seat belt violations when child is a front seat passenger. |
CRS fine reduced to $15 if violator purchases a CRS after violation and provides proof to the court. CRS technicians who install or inspect a CRS without a fee are not liable for damages. |
Yes, required for all front seat passengers and children age 8 or younger than 8 and taller than 57”. |
CRS requirement exempts taxis. Child seat belt requirement for children age 8 or younger than 8 and taller than 57” exempts taxis. |
* In cases where the CRS requirements applied to both ridesharing and taxis, these requirements were identical except where otherwise indicated.
[1] Chicago requires at least two police officers in each district to complete NHTSA’s 32-hour National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Course to learn more about how to properly use and install CRS. Chicago also requires probationary police officers to complete NHTSA’s 4-hour Law Enforcement Child Passenger Safety Course to learn more about the importance and benefits of using CRS.
[2] The CRS ordinance found for Colorado Springs is a near-exact duplicate of Colorado’s state CRS law, C.R.S.A. § 42-4-236.
[3] Colorado Springs law specifies that children younger than 1 and weighing less than 20 pounds must be restrained in a rear-facing child safety seat. Children aged 1-3 and weighing 20-39 pounds must be restrained in either a rear-facing or a forward-facing child safety seat.
[4] The CRS ordinance found for Denver is a near-exact duplicate of Colorado’s state CRS law, C.R.S.A. § 42-4-236.
[5] Denver law specifies that children younger than 1 and weighing less than 20 pounds must be restrained in a rear-facing child safety seat. Children aged 1-3 and weighing 20-39 pounds must be restrained in either a rear-facing or a forward-facing child safety seat.
[6] D.C. law requires that children weighing less than 40 pounds or shorter than 40”, and younger than 2 be secured in a rear-facing CRS. D.C. law also specifies that booster seats may only be used with a combination lap and shoulder belt. D.C. permits parents to transport their child without securing them if there are more children younger than 16 than there are available seating positions in the vehicle.
[7] D.C. provides a $75 fine for first-time CRS violations, but allows first-time violators to attend a CRS safety class to waive their fine (violators must pay a $25 fee to attend the class). D.C. provides a $75 fine for second-time CRS violations and requires second-time violators to attend a CRS safety class and pay a $25 class fee. D.C. law provides a $125 fine for third-time CRS violations, and provides a $150 fine for fourth-time or subsequent violations. If a driver is found guilty of impaired driving with minors in the vehicle, D.C. law provides a $500-1000 fine for each minor present in the vehicle, a minimum of 5 days imprisonment for each properly restrained child, and a minimum of 10 days imprisonment for each improperly restrained child.
[8] Kansas law allows children who would otherwise be required to be secured in a booster seat to be secured in a rear seat with only a lap belt if there are no combination lap and shoulder belts available in the rear seats. Kansas law also specifies that, in cases where children all belonging to the same immediate family are being transported, if there are more children than available seats, excess children may be unsecured while seated in a rear seat of the vehicle.
[9] Memphis law requires children younger than 1 or weighing 20 pounds or less to be secured in a rear-facing CRS in a rear seat. Memphis law also specifies that children who are age 1-3 and who weigh more than 20 pounds must be secured in forward-facing CRS in a rear seat. Memphis law also describes that children who are age 4-8 and who are shorter than 60” must be secured in a booster seat in a rear seat.
[10] New Orleans law specifies that children age 3-5 may be secured using a seat belt in a rear seat. If there are no rear seats available, the child may be secured using a CRS in a front seat. New Orleans law also describes that if there are more children than available seating positions, excess children may be unsecured in the rear seat.
[11] Oklahoma City law specifies that a child otherwise required to be secured in a CRS may be secured using only a lap belt in a rear seat if the child weighs more than 40 pounds and the rear seat of the vehicle only has lap belts available.
[12] Raleigh taxi ordinances cite North Carolina’s state CRS law, N.C.G.S.A. § 20-137.1, which specifies that, if no combination lap and shoulder belts are available, child passengers who weigh more than 40 pounds may be secured with only a lap belt. Raleigh law also cites the North Carolina requirement that any child younger than 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a CRS in a rear seat, unless the CRS is designed to be used with airbags.
[13] Seattle law requires passengers younger than 13 to be seated in a rear seat whenever possible. Seattle law also allows children weighing more than 40 pounds to be secured by only a lap belt if there is only a lap belt available.
[14] Tulsa law requires children younger than 2 to be secured in a rear-facing CRS until the child exceeds the weight or height limits established by the CRS manufacturer.