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Booster Seat Laws by State (2026 Parent Guide)

Booster Seat Laws by State (2026 Parent Guide)

Booster Seat Laws by State (2026 Parent Guide)
50States + D.C. Covered
45%Injury reduction vs. seat belt alone
4'9"Height used as cut-off by most states
Age 8Most common legal booster exit age

Booster seat laws vary dramatically from state to state. In Florida, a child can legally move to a seat belt at just age 6. In Hawaii, the law requires a booster all the way to age 10. Getting it wrong doesn't just risk a fine, it risks your child's life. NHTSA data shows that booster seats reduce injury risk by up to 45% compared to seat belts alone for children ages 4-8. This guide pulls every state law into one place so you can drive with confidence.

⚠️ Law vs. Best Practice

State laws are minimum standards, not safety recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping children in a booster until the vehicle's lap-and-shoulder belt fits correctly, typically around 4'9" tall and between ages 8-12. Always follow whichever standard is higher.

What Is a Booster Seat - and Why Does It Matter?

A booster seat raises your child so a standard vehicle seat belt sits correctly across their body. Without one, the lap belt rides up across the soft abdomen and the shoulder belt cuts across the neck, both of which cause serious injury in a crash. If you want the full breakdown of how a booster works and which type is right for your child's age, our complete guide to booster seats covers every stage.

There are two main types: high-back boosters (with head and side support) and backless boosters like the BubbleBum inflatable backless booster, which deflates to the size of a water bottle, ideal for travel, carpools and ride-shares.

All 50 States at a Glance - Booster Seat Laws 2026

The table below gives you the booster-seat trigger, exit condition, and fine for every state. Full state-by-state details with source statute links follow below. Laws sourced from Safe Ride 4 Kids (updated Apr 2025), ConsumerShield (Jan 2026), and state statutes.

State Booster Required From Can Exit Booster When Fine
Alabama After forward-facing seat Age 6 $25
Alaska Age 4 (if 20–65 lbs & <57") Age 8 OR ≥57" OR ≥65 lbs $50
Arizona After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $50
Arkansas After forward-facing seat Age 6 AND ≥60 lbs $25-$100
California After forward-facing seat (back seat required) Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $100-$250
Colorado Age 4 (≥40 lbs) Age 9 AND passes 5-Step Fit Test $71
Connecticut Age 5 (40–60 lbs) Age 8 AND ≥60 lbs Up to $199
Delaware After harness seat Upper height/weight limit of booster $25
Florida Age 4 Age 6 $60
Georgia After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $50
Hawaii Age 4 Age 10; or age 7+ if ≥4'9" $100-$800
Idaho After forward-facing seat Age 7 $79
Illinois After forward-facing seat Age 8 $75
Indiana After forward-facing seat Age 8 $25
Iowa Child restraint required to age 6 Age 6 (seat belt permitted 6–18) $195
Kansas Age 4 Age 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥4'9" $60
Kentucky Height 40" Height ≥57" (any age) $25 (booster)
Louisiana Age 4 (after harness seat) Age 9 AND passes belt fit test $100
Maine Age 2, ≥55 lbs (harness ends) Age 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥57" $50-$250
Maryland After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $50
Massachusetts After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥57" $25
Michigan Age 4 (after harness seat) Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $25
Minnesota Age 4 (after harness seat) Age 9 OR passes 5-Step Fit Test $50
Mississippi Age 4 Age 7 OR ≥65 lbs OR ≥57" $25
Missouri Age 4 (≥40 lbs) Age 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥4'9" $50
Montana Age 4 (eff. Oct 2025) Age 9 OR exceeds booster limits $100
Nebraska After forward-facing seat Age 8 $25
Nevada After forward-facing seat Age 6 OR ≥57" $100-$500
New Hampshire After forward-facing seat Age 7 OR ≥57" $50-$100
New Jersey Age 4 (after harness seat) Age 8 OR ≥57" $75
New Mexico Age 5 (or ≥40 lbs) Age 7 OR ≥60 lbs $25
New York Age 4 (40–80 lbs) Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $100
North Carolina After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥80 lbs $25
North Dakota After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥57" $25
Ohio Age 4 (≥40 lbs) Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $25-$75
Oklahoma Age 4 Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $50
Oregon After forward-facing seat (≥40 lbs) Height ≥4'9" (no age cap) $110
Pennsylvania Age 4 Age 8 $75
Rhode Island After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥57" $85
South Carolina Age 4 (after harness seat) Age 8 OR ≥57" $150
South Dakota N/A - restraint to age 5 Age 5 OR ≥40 lbs $25
Tennessee Age 4 Age 9 OR ≥4'9" $50
Texas After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $250-$250
Utah After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥57" $45
Vermont Age 5 (after harness seat) Age 8 $25
Virginia After forward-facing seat Age 8 $50
Washington Age 4 (after harness seat) Height ≥4'9" (any age <16) $124
Washington D.C. Age 4 Age 8 $75
West Virginia After forward-facing seat Age 8 OR ≥4'9" $20
Wisconsin Age 4 (≥40 lbs) Age 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥57" $150.10
Wyoming After forward-facing seat Age 9 $50
🗓 Laws Change - Always Verify

This table reflects laws as of March 2026. State legislatures update child restraint statutes regularly. Always verify your state's current statute before a long road trip. When driving across multiple states, follow the strictest applicable law.

Booster Seat Laws - All 50 States (Full Details)

Alabama Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25 Lenient
RequiredBooster seat required until age 6
Exit ruleChild may legally use a seat belt from age 6
Rear seatNot specified in law
NoteAlabama's exit age of 6 is one of the earliest in the country. Best practice strongly recommends continuing the booster until the child passes the 5-Step Fit Test.

Alaska Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAges 4–7 who weigh 20–65 lbs AND are under 57 inches tall
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥65 lbs OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Arizona Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAll children under 8 AND under 4'9" must be in a child restraint system
Exit ruleAge 8 OR height ≥4'9" (whichever comes first)
Rear seatNot specified

Arkansas Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25–$100
RequiredChildren under 6 years AND under 60 lbs must use a child restraint
Exit ruleAge 6 AND ≥60 lbs (both conditions must be met)
Rear seatNot specified

California Booster Seat Law

Fine: $100–$250 Strict
RequiredAll children under 8 must use a child restraint in the back seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall. New law effective 1/1/2027: ages 8–16 must also pass the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test.
Rear seatRequired for all children under 8 when a rear seat is available
NoteCalifornia has the highest fine range and one of the strictest enforcement policies. The 2027 update introduces a formal fit-test standard for older children.

Colorado Booster Seat Law

Fine: $71 Updated 2025
RequiredAges 4–9 who weigh at least 40 lbs must use a forward-facing seat or belt-positioning booster
Exit ruleAge 9 AND passes the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test
Rear seatRequired for children under 9 when a rear seat is available
NoteColorado updated its law in January 2025, raising the booster exit age from 8 to 9 and adding a formal fit-test standard. Among the strongest laws in the U.S.

Connecticut Booster Seat Law

Fine: Up to $199
RequiredAges 5–8 who weigh 40–60 lbs must use a child restraint or booster
Exit ruleAge 8 AND weight ≥60 lbs
Rear seatNot specified
NoteFirst offense is a simple infraction; second offense jumps to $199. Booster must always be used with a lap-and-shoulder belt, not a lap-only belt.

Delaware Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredAfter forward-facing harness seat; continue booster until manufacturer's upper height/weight limit
Exit ruleWhen child exceeds the booster seat's manufacturer limits (applies up to age 16)
Rear seatRequired until 65" tall or age 12
NoteDelaware's law is manufacturer-limit based, not age-based, one of the most child-centred frameworks in the U.S.

Florida Booster Seat Law

Fine: $60 Lenient
RequiredAges 4–5 must use a federally approved child restraint device or booster seat
Exit ruleAge 6, one of the earliest legal exit ages in the nation
Rear seatNot specified
NoteFlorida's booster requirement is among the most lenient in the U.S. Best practice strongly recommends continuing until at least 4'9" tall and the fit test is passed, usually ages 10–12.

Georgia Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAll children under 8 must use an appropriate child passenger restraining system
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatRequired for children 8 and younger; front seat allowed only if rear seats are fully occupied by other children

Hawaii Booster Seat Law

Fine: $100–$800 Strict
RequiredAges 4–10 must use a child passenger restraint with harness or a booster seat
Exit ruleAge 10, or age 7+ if the child is ≥4'9"
Rear seatNot specified
NoteHawaii has the highest age requirement (10) in the U.S. and the highest maximum fine ($800 for 3rd+ offense). Courts may also require attendance at a child safety class.

Idaho Booster Seat Law

Fine: $79
RequiredChildren age 6 and younger must use a federally approved child safety restraint
Exit ruleAge 7
Rear seatNot specified

Illinois Booster Seat Law

Fine: $75
RequiredChildren under age 8 must use an appropriate child restraint system (booster seats are included)
Exit ruleAge 8 (no separate height/weight exit criteria)
Rear seatNot specified

Indiana Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredChildren under 8 must use a child restraint system per manufacturer instructions
Exit ruleAge 8 (then seat belt or child restraint required through age 16)
Rear seatNot specified

Iowa Booster Seat Law

Fine: $195 Highest Fine
RequiredChildren under 6 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system
Exit ruleAge 6 (seat belt or restraint required ages 6–18)
Rear seatNot specified (RVs exempt unless child is in front seat)
NoteIowa has the highest standard first-violation fine ($195) in the country, despite having a relatively early legal exit age of 6.

Kansas Booster Seat Law

Fine: $60
RequiredAges 4–8 who weigh less than 80 lbs OR are under 4'9"
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Kentucky Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25 (booster)
RequiredChildren under 8 who are between 40–57 inches tall must use a booster seat
Exit ruleHeight ≥57" at any age, this law is purely height-based
Rear seatNot specified
NoteAny child taller than 57" may legally use a seat belt regardless of age. Any child under 40" must be in a forward-facing or rear-facing car seat.

Louisiana Booster Seat Law

Fine: $100
RequiredAge 4+ who have outgrown their forward-facing harness seat must use a belt-positioning booster
Exit ruleAge 9 AND passes the 4-point belt fit check (back against seat, knees over edge, belt low on thighs, shoulder belt across chest)
Rear seatRequired for children under 13 when a rear seat is available

Maine Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50–$250
RequiredChildren under 8, under 80 lbs, AND under 57 inches must use a belt-positioning booster
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 12 who weigh less than 100 lbs (when possible)

Maryland Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredChildren under 8 AND under 4'9" must be secured in a child safety seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Massachusetts Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredChildren under 8 OR under 57 inches must use an appropriate child restraint
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥57" tall (whichever comes first)
Rear seatRequired for all children under 13

Michigan Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredAges 4–8 (after outgrowing forward-facing harness) must use a child restraint until 4'9"
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 13

Minnesota Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAge 4+ who have outgrown a forward-facing harness must use a booster
Exit ruleAge 9 OR passes the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test
Rear seatRequired for children under 13

Mississippi Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredAges 4–7 who are under 4'9" OR under 65 lbs must use a booster
Exit ruleAge 7 OR ≥65 lbs OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Missouri Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAges 4–8 who weigh 40+ lbs and are under 4'9" must use a child restraint or booster
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Montana Booster Seat Law

Fine: $100 Updated Oct 2025
RequiredAges 4–8 must use a forward-facing seat or booster (effective October 1, 2025)
Exit ruleAge 9 OR exceeds booster manufacturer's height/weight limits
Rear seatNot specified
NoteMontana raised the minimum booster age from 6 to 8 in its October 2025 update, a significant strengthening of the law.

Nebraska Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredAll children up to age 8 must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat
Exit ruleAge 8
Rear seatRequired for children under 8

Nevada Booster Seat Law

Fine: $100–$500
RequiredChildren under 6 AND under 57 inches must use a federally approved child restraint
Exit ruleAge 6 OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 2; front seat only with physician note and deactivated airbag
NoteNevada has a high fine range ($100–$500) despite an early exit age of just 6.

New Hampshire Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50–$100
RequiredChildren under 7 OR under 57 inches must use an appropriate child restraint
Exit ruleAge 7 OR ≥57" tall (seat belt required through age 18)
Rear seatNot specified
NoteNew Hampshire has no general adult seat belt law, but child restraint laws apply strictly to anyone under 18.

New Jersey Booster Seat Law

Fine: $75
RequiredAges 4–8 (under 57 inches) must use a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 8 (under 57") when a rear seat is available

New Mexico Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredAges 5–6 OR children under 60 lbs must use a booster or child restraint
Exit ruleAge 7 OR ≥60 lbs
Rear seatRequired for children under 1 year in rear-facing restraint

New York Booster Seat Law

Fine: $100 Strict
RequiredAges 4–8 who weigh 40–80 lbs and are under 4'9" must use an appropriate booster or child restraint
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall (seat belt required ages 8–16)
Rear seatRear-facing infants must be in the rear seat; not specified for booster-age children
NoteNY DMV guidance recommends continuing the booster beyond the legal minimum until the seat belt fits correctly, typically ages 10–12.

North Carolina Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredChildren under 8 AND under 80 lbs must use a child safety seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥80 lbs
Rear seatRequired for children under 4 who weigh less than 40 lbs

North Dakota Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredChildren under 8 AND under 57 inches must use an appropriate child safety seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Ohio Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25–$75
RequiredAges 4–8 who weigh at least 40 lbs AND are under 4'9" must use a booster seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" (145 cm) tall
Rear seatNot specified
NoteChildren under 4 OR under 40 lbs must use a car seat first. Ohio DOH recommends staying in a booster until the full fit test is passed.

Oklahoma Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAges 4–8 who are under 4'9" must use a child restraint or booster
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatFront seat permitted only for children 9+ years old

Oregon Booster Seat Law

Fine: $110
RequiredChildren who weigh over 40 lbs AND are under 4'9" must use a belt-positioning booster
Exit ruleHeight ≥4'9" - no maximum age
Rear seatNot specified
NoteOregon's law is purely height-based. A tall 6-year-old who reaches 4'9" can legally use a belt; a short 14-year-old technically still needs a booster.

Pennsylvania Booster Seat Law

Fine: $75
RequiredAges 4–8 must use an appropriately fitting booster seat
Exit ruleAge 8 (all restraints and seat belts required through age 18)
Rear seatNot specified

Rhode Island Booster Seat Law

Fine: $85
RequiredChildren under 8, under 57 inches, AND under 80 lbs must use a restraint system
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 8

South Carolina Booster Seat Law

Fine: $150 High Fine
RequiredAge 4+ who have outgrown their forward-facing harness must use a booster until age 8 or 57 inches
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥57" tall AND belt fits correctly
Rear seatRequired for children under 8

South Dakota Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25 Most Lenient
RequiredChildren under 5 AND under 40 lbs must use a child safety seat, no dedicated booster-seat mandate
Exit ruleAge 5 (seat belt permitted from age 5); all children ≥40 lbs regardless of age
Rear seatNot specified
NoteSouth Dakota has the weakest booster requirements in the U.S.  there is no booster mandate at all. Best practice still recommends a booster until ages 8–12 or the fit test is passed.

Tennessee Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredAges 4–8 who are under 4'9" must use a booster seat
Exit ruleAge 9 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 9 who are under 4'9"; rear seat strongly recommended for ages 9–12

Texas Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25–$250
RequiredAll children under 8 AND under 4'9" must ride in an appropriate child safety seat system
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatNot specified in the booster law
NoteViolations are classified as a Class C misdemeanor. TxDOT strongly recommends keeping children in a booster beyond the legal minimum.

Utah Booster Seat Law

Fine: $45
RequiredChildren under 8 AND under 57 inches must use an appropriate child safety seat
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatNot specified

Vermont Booster Seat Law

Fine: $25
RequiredAges 5–8 who have outgrown their forward-facing seat must use a booster
Exit ruleAge 8
Rear seatChildren under 13 should ride in the rear seat if practical

Virginia Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredChildren through age 7 must use a child restraint device appropriate for size and weight
Exit ruleAge 8 (all restraints and seat belts required through age 18)
Rear seatRear-facing infants must be in rear seat; front seat allowed if airbag is deactivated

Washington State Booster Seat Law

Fine: $124
RequiredAge 4+ who have outgrown a forward-facing harness AND are under 4'9" must use a booster
Exit ruleHeight ≥4'9"  no maximum age (applies to all children under 16)
Rear seatRequired for children under 13 when practical
NoteWashington's law is purely height-based. Any child under 16 who is shorter than 4'9" must legally be in a booster regardless of age.

Washington D.C. Booster Seat Law

Fine: $75
RequiredAges 4–8 must use an infant, convertible, or booster seat. Under 2 must use rear-facing (unless ≥40 lbs or ≥40 inches).
Exit ruleAge 8 (seat belt required through age 16)
Rear seatNot specified

West Virginia Booster Seat Law

Fine: $20 Lowest Fine
RequiredChildren under 8 AND under 4'9" must use a child safety seat or booster
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥4'9" tall
Rear seatNot specified (front seat allowed for ages 8+ in all seats)
NoteWest Virginia has the lowest booster violation fine ($20) in the country.

Wisconsin Booster Seat Law

Fine: $150.10 High Fine
RequiredAges 4–8 who weigh 40–80 lbs AND are under 57 inches must use a booster or child restraint
Exit ruleAge 8 OR ≥80 lbs OR ≥57" tall
Rear seatRequired for children under 4

Wyoming Booster Seat Law

Fine: $50
RequiredChildren under 9 must use an appropriate child restraint system
Exit ruleAge 9 (one of the higher age thresholds in the U.S.)
Rear seatRequired for children under 9

Traveling Across States? Always Follow the Strictest Law

If you drive from Florida (legal exit at 6) into Georgia (legal exit at 8), Georgia's law applies the moment you cross the state line. The safest and simplest rule for families who road-trip: keep your child in a booster until they personally pass the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test, regardless of which state you're in or how old they are.

✅ The 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test

All five must be true for the seat belt to fit correctly without a booster:

  • Step 1 - Back: Child sits all the way back against the vehicle seat.
  • Step 2 - Knees: Knees bend comfortably over the seat edge.
  • Step 3 - Lap belt: Lies flat and low across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
  • Step 4 - Shoulder belt: Crosses the centre of the chest and shoulder - not the neck or face.
  • Step 5 -Full trip: Child can maintain this position comfortably for the entire journey without slouching.

If even one step fails, the booster stays. Most children don't pass until ages 10–12.

For families who travel frequently, in Ubers, taxis, or rental cars, a portable travel booster is the practical answer. Our guide on using a car seat in an Uber covers ride-share situations in detail, and our packing a booster for vacation guide has everything you need before your next trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booster Seat Laws

What age can a child stop using a booster seat?

It depends on your state, anywhere from age 6 (Florida) to age 10 (Hawaii). However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends staying in a booster until the seat belt fits correctly, typically around ages 8–12 or when the child reaches 4'9". For more detail, read our guide on when to stop using a booster seat.

What weight can a child stop using a booster seat?

Most manufacturers set the upper limit at 80–100 lbs. Legally, many states (Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Wisconsin) allow exit at 80 lbs. But weight alone is not the best exit criterion, height and belt fit are more reliable indicators of when a child is truly ready.

Can a 5-year-old use a booster seat?

Yes, in most states a child can move to a booster at age 4–5 after outgrowing a forward-facing harnessed seat. However, many experts recommend keeping children in a 5-point harness as long as the manufacturer allows (often up to 65–80 lbs). If you're unsure, our booster seat parent's guide walks through every stage.

Do booster seat laws apply to taxis and Ubers?

It varies by state. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, and Maryland specifically exempt taxis in their statutes. Others, including California and New York, do not. Our full Uber car seat guide covers the nuances in detail.

Do car seat laws apply when renting a car?

Yes. The law of the state you're driving in applies to you, even in a rental. Rental companies often offer car seats for hire, but many parents prefer their own portable booster for hygiene and peace of mind. See our guide on checking a car seat at the airport for tips on travelling with your own seat.

Do booster seat laws apply to school buses?

Generally no. Most state car seat laws specifically exempt large school buses, which use compartmentalization (closely spaced, padded seats) as their primary safety system. Standard booster seat laws typically do not apply to school buses.

Need a Booster That Works in Every State?

The BubbleBum inflatable backless booster meets U.S. (FMVSS 213) and EU (ECE R44.04) safety standards, weighs just 500 g, and deflates to the size of a water bottle, so you're always road-trip ready, no matter which state you're in.

Shop BubbleBum Boosters →

 

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