Check your State

Check the specific guidelines for your state. Most regulations are mandated by states so there may be differences.

EXAMPLE: Florida Car Seat Laws

• Age and Requirements:
  • Birth to 5 years: Children must be secured in a federally approved child restraint device:
    • Under 3 years: Must use a crash-tested car seat (rear-facing for infants, forward-facing for toddlers, depending on manufacturer guidelines).
    • Ages 4–5: Must use either a car seat or a booster seat, depending on size and manufacturer specifications.
  • Ages 6–17: Must use a seatbelt in any seating position. Booster seats are recommended for children who have outgrown car seats but are too small for adult seatbelts (typically until 4’9” tall or around 8–12 years).
• Type of Restraint:
  • Rear-Facing Car Seat: Required for infants and toddlers (typically birth to 2 years or until they reach the car seat’s weight/height limit, often 30–40 lbs or 35 inches).
  • Forward-Facing Car Seat: For children who outgrow rear-facing seats (typically 2–4 years, up to 40–65 lbs).
  • Booster Seat: For children who outgrow forward-facing seats (typically 4–8 years, 40–80 lbs, under 4’9”).
• Position in Vehicle: Children under 13 should ride in the back seat for safety, though this is not legally mandated in Florida.
• Exemptions:
  • Children over 4 may use a seatbelt if they exceed the car seat/booster weight or height limits, but a booster is recommended until 4’9”.
  • Non-residents, commercial vehicles (e.g., taxis, buses), or emergency vehicles may have exemptions, but safety standards are encouraged.
• Penalties: Violation is a non-moving violation, with a $60 fine plus court costs and 3 points on the driver’s license. Non-residents may face a $30 fine.

Pro Tip

Many fire stations in Florida and across the U.S. offer free car seat installation and inspection services, often through certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians, but availability depends on the station, its resources, and specific programs