Last Updated 4th of June, 2010

Can I get a traffic ticket for an improper child seat?

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Penalties for Using Improper Car Seats

All 50 states and the District of Columbia enforce strict child restraint laws. You will receive a traffic ticket and be fined if you neglect to provide a proper baby car seat or child safety seat for any passenger in your vehicle who is required by law to use one.

Laws and fines (see grid below) vary by state. Child seat requirements are based on age, weight, and height. Unfortunately there is no universal law. Delaware, for example, requires car seats for all kids under the age of seven, while in Mississippi the same mandate only applies to riders three years old and younger.

Where to Find Car Seat Information

To start learning more about your state’s car seat laws, check with your local DMV. Even if it does not have the information you're seeking for child or baby car seats, it can direct you to the proper source. Or, you can also try your local police department, which is generally a pretty good source for your state’s safety laws.

NOTE: The fines below are for only first-offense violations of the laws for child car seats.

Alabama Maximum fine of $25.
Alaska Maximum fine of $50.
Arizona Maximum fine of $50.
Arkansas Maximum fine of $100.
California Maximum fine of $100.
Colorado Maximum fine of $81.
Connecticut Maximum fine of $60.
Delaware Maximum fine of $25.
Florida Maximum fine of $60.
Georgia Maximum fine of $50.
Hawaii Maximum fine of $100.
Idaho Maximum fine of $100.
Illinois Maximum fine of $50.
Indiana Maximum fine of $25.
Iowa Maximum fine of $25.
Kansas Maximum fine of $60.
Kentucky Maximum fine of $50.
Louisiana Maximum fine of $100.
Maine Maximum fine of $50.
Maryland Maximum fine of $25.
Massachusetts Maximum fine of $25.
Michigan Maximum fine of $10.
Minnesota Maximum fine of $50.
Mississippi Maximum fine of $25.
Missouri Maximum fine of $50.
Montana Maximum fine of $100.
Nebraska Maximum fine of $25.
Nevada Maximum fine of $500.
New Hampshire Maximum fine of $50.
New Jersey Maximum fine of $25.
New Mexico Maximum fine of $25.
New York Maximum fine of $100.
North Carolina Maximum fine of $25.
North Dakota Maximum fine of $25.
Ohio Maximum fine of $75.
Oklahoma Maximum fine of $25.
Oregon Maximum fine of $90.
Pennsylvania Maximum fine of $100.
Rhode Island Maximum fine of $75.
South Carolina Maximum fine of $150.
South Dakota Maximum fine of $20.
Tennessee Maximum fine of $50.
Texas Maximum fine of $25.
Utah Maximum fine of $45.
Vermont Maximum fine of $25.
Virginia Maximum fine of $50.
Washington Maximum fine of $124.
West Virginia Maximum fine of $20.
Wisconsin Maximum fine of $75.
Wyoming Maximum fine of $50.
Washington DC Maximum fine of $75.

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