In Texas, the law requires children to remain in a booster seat until they reach the age of 8 years or 4 feet 9 inches in height. It is essential to ensure that:

1. the seat belt fits properly with the lap belt snugly crossing the thighs, not the stomach; and,
2. the shoulder belt lies across the chest, not the neck.

Transitioning out of a booster seat should only be considered when these criteria are met to maintain the safety and well-being of the child during vehicle travel. If a child is not properly restrained in your vehicle, the driver faces a fine between $25 to $250, plus court costs (Texas Transportation Code – TRANSP § 545.412).

Are There Any Federal Laws or Guidelines Related to Booster Seats?

While there are no specific federal laws mandating the use of booster seats, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides guidelines to protect children when they travel in a vehicle. NHTSA’s recommendation is that children should use booster seats until they are at least 4’9″ (i.e., 57″) tall and can wear a seat belt properly without the help of a booster seat.

The NHTSA uses height as the primary guideline due to proper seat belt fit. Depending on the height of the child, NHTSA recommends booster seats between ages 4 to 12. Further, the NHTSA recommends keeping your child out of the front seat until age 13. These recommendations are also consistent with those offered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Consumer Reports, and others.

What if I am Traveling Outside of Texas?

When traveling outside of Texas, it is important to adhere to the child safety seat laws of the state or country you are visiting. The booster seat laws in each state differ as to the age, weight, or height requirements for child restraint systems. Before embarking on your trip, research and comply with the local car seat laws in that state to ensure the safety of your child and avoid potential fines or legal issues.

What Fines Do Different States Have for Violating Booster Seat Laws?

Each state in the United States has established specific fines and penalties for violating its respective child safety seat laws. For instance, California imposes a fine that typically exceeds $100 for the first offense, whereas the fine in West Virginia is only $20.

It’s crucial to note that fines can vary not only by state but also by locality within a state, and some states may additionally require offenders to attend a car seat safety class and/or pay court costs. Always check the local regulations for the most accurate information, especially if planning to travel to different states with child passengers.

Below are the fines allowed by law in every state for failing to secure a child in a booster seat, as of 2024:

1. $199: Connecticut
2. $195: Iowa
3. $150.10 to $175.30: Wisconsin
4. $150: South Carolina
5. $124: Washington
6. $115: Oregon
7. $100 to $500: Nevada
8. $100 to $250: California
9. $100: Louisiana, Montana, New York
10. Up to $100: Hawaii
11. $84: Idaho
12. $75: Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
13. $71: Colorado
14. $60: Florida, Kansas
15. $50: Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Wyoming
16. $45: Utah
17. $40 to $85: Rhode Island
18. $25 to $250: Texas
19. $25 to $100: Arkansas
20. $25: Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont
21. $20: West Virginia

Why Do Booster Seat Laws Vary Across States in the United States?

Child passenger safety seat laws vary by state in the United States due to the legislative process, which allows each state to establish its safety regulations considering the specific needs and concerns of the local population. This variance reflects the diversity of opinion among lawmakers and experts regarding the age or size at which children can safely transition from a booster seat to a seat belt. Additionally, discrepancies in state laws may arise from differing interpretations of safety data, budgetary constraints, or the influence of advocacy groups.

Generally, every state takes one of four factors into consideration when permitting children to ride with a normal seat belt, instead of a booster seat:

1. Age
2. Weight
3. Height
4. Booster seat manufacturer guidelines

Height is the most commonly used criterion in state laws for determining when a child can transition to a seat belt. This is because height is a critical factor in ensuring the seat belt fits over the strongest parts of a child’s body — the chest and pelvis — rather than the neck and stomach, which can be injured by the force of a belt in a crash.

Moreover, car seat manufacturers provide guidelines that generally match state laws and are designed with a child’s safety as the top priority. Manufacturers’ guidelines are informed by extensive research into the effectiveness of booster seats in protecting children of various sizes and helping inform best practices for the industry.

Summary of Ways to Know Whether Your Child Should Still Be Using a Booster Seat

To determine if your child should still be using a booster seat, consider the following assessment steps:

1. Check Your State’s Legal Requirements: Each state has specific laws dictating at what age, weight, height, or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines a child can safely transition from a booster seat to a seat belt. Ensure compliance with your state’s regulations.
2. Evaluate Your Child’s Height and Weight: Even within states’ regulatory frameworks, check that your child meets the minimum height and weight requirements recommended for transitioning out of a booster seat.
3. Seat Belt Fit Test: Perform a fit test with the seat belt. A properly positioned belt will lay across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and should cross the shoulder between the neck and the arm. The lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
4. Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Adhere to the recommendations provided by the booster seat manufacturer regarding the appropriate size and age of the child for using their product.
5. Expert Recommendations: Children usually need a booster seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age. Consult with a pediatrician or a child passenger safety technician if uncertain about the right time for your child to transition out of a booster seat.
6. Comfort and Posture: Children are ready to move out of booster seats when they can sit with their back against the vehicle’s seat and their feet flat on the floor, without slouching. Proper posture ensures maximum protection from the seat belt during a crash.

Use these guidelines as a checklist to ensure your child’s safe travel in your vehicle. Always prioritize safety over convenience or the child’s desire to transition out of a booster seat prematurely.