What are the Louisiana Car Seat Laws?

 

Welcome to the Louisiana Car Seat Law Explained in Simple, Plain English!

You are at the right place if you want to know exactly how to keep your kids safe in the state of Louisiana.

Look:

I have 3 kids of my own who are perfect angels (at least while they are sleeping) plus, we travel a lot, so I have to be updated with car seat laws, so I don’t get fined or worse.

In my past life, I was a paralegal, so I have a knack for finding the right laws fast and translating the lawyer jargon into easy to understanding the text.

This is why I’ve created this article to get you up to speed the easiest way possible.

Now you probably want answers for the most pressing questions like what is the booster seat law, or when you can transition from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat, or will you need a car seat in a taxi. All these questions and more are answered below. Dig in!

Let’s get started already!

 

louisiana-car-seat-laws

By reading this article you agree that it’s for informational purposes and I can’t be held liable for the best advice ask the appropriate person.

 

Louisiana Booster Seat Laws

Louisiana-Booster-Seat-Laws

According to the booster seat law in Louisiana, every child who’s older than 4 has to be restrained with a belt-positioning booster seat as soon as they have outgrown their forward-facing care seat (meaning reached the max weight and height recommendation stated by the manufacturer).

They should be in this booster seat until the age of 9. If the seat belt can provide the adequate protection, then they can transition to it. If not then they have to wait.

 

Louisiana Rear-facing Car Seat Laws

According to the law, a child has to be in a rear-facing from birth until 2 years old. Kids can upgrade to a forward-facing car seat after the age of 2 and if they have outgrown their rear-facing car seat (meaning they have reached the maximum weight and height levels set by the manufacturer).

 

Louisiana Forward-facing Car Seat Laws

According to the law, kids after the age of 2 can upgrade to forward-facing car seat if they have outgrown their rear-facing one. They have to stay in a forward-facing car seat until they have outgrown it (meaning they have reached the maximum weight and height limit set by the manufacturer).

 

Louisiana Taxi Car Seat Laws

In the state of Louisiana, taxis are exempt from the use of car seats. If you want to feel safe, it’s a good idea to bring your own car seat.

 

When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Louisiana?

The law states that only kids above the age of 13 can sit in the front. Of course, there are exceptions if there’s no back row.

 

Louisiana Car Seat Laws at a Glance

Here you can find the entire law in one place:

Car Seat Law (RS 32:295)

Law: According to the law, all kids under the age of 18 have to be secured the following way.

  • If your child is under the age of 2, then they have to sit in a rear-facing car seat that is approved federally. And they should stay in rear-facing until they have outgrown the maximum limits set by the manufacturer.
  • Suppose your child is above age 2 and has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, then they can upgrade to a forward facing one. They can use the forward-facing car seat until they have reached the maximum weight and height limits set by the manufacturer.
  • If your child is older than 4 and has outgrown their forward-facing car seat, then they can upgrade to a belt-positioning booster seat.
  • Suppose your child is older than 9 and has outgrown their belt-positioning booster seat, then they can use the seat belt if it fits correctly.
  • Interesting twist in the law where they mention if your child fits multiple car seats, then always choose the one that offers the most protection.

Location in car: The law says that all kids under the age of 13 should be riding in the back seat if available.

Taxi:  In the state of Louisiana, all taxis companies are exempt from the above-mentioned car seat laws. However, if you want to protect your kids, bring your own car seat.

RideSafer legal: Yes. The Ride Safer travel vest qualifies for children who are at least age 3 and 30 pounds.

Fines: $100

 

Louisiana Seat Belt Law

  • Law: According to the law, all occupants in the vehicle have to wear a seat belt.
  • Fine: $50 for first offense
  • RVs: The RV car seat rules follow the above-mentioned general ones as in all occupants have to wear the seat belt, and for kids, car seat rules apply.

 

What is the law concerning Leaving kids in the Car in Louisiana?

It’s illegal in the state of Louisiana to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Heatstroke is a major killer, and 19 lives were lost between 1989 and 2011. There’s a hefty fine or even jail time for anyone who leaves a child unattended.

 

Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Louisiana?

According to the law, it’s illegal in the state of Louisiana to smoke when driving any aged child. The fine is monetary and even community service.

 

Conclusions on Louisiana Car Seat Laws

We have reached the end of this article. I hope you have found the answers you’ve been looking for.

As promised, I’ve delivered the answers in a sleep-deprived parent-friendly way. It was nothing but common sense and simple words lawyer talk excluded.

Now you might still have questions or observations. No biggie, shoot me a message, and I will get back to you.

Maybe you can help me out by sharing this post so other parents can know exactly how to keep their kids safe and avoid fines in the process. Thank You!

Related State: Mississippi car seat laws

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the law for booster seats in Louisiana?

According to the booster seat laws in the state of Louisiana, kids from the age of 4 can ride in a booster seat if they have outgrown their forward-facing ones. They have to be in a booster seat until the age of 9 or longer if the seat belt doesn’t provide the necessary protection.

What are the age and weight limits for a booster seat in Louisiana?

The lower age and weight limit for booster seats in Louisiana are the following: typically, when the child reaches 4-5 years of age, they transition into a booster seat. The lower weight limit is set to 40 pounds.

When can a child legally sit in the front seat in Louisiana?

According to the law, all kids under the age of 13 have to sit in the back seat. So after reaching the age of 13 is legal to sit in the front.

Who is a child passenger safety technician and what can they do?

A child passenger safety technician is a certified expert who can help you with choosing the right car seat or car seats (child safety seat) and also helps you install a child restraint according to the louisiana car seat law and louisiana highway safety commission in the motor vehicle. Since child safety is the main goal any help. When it comes to recommendations the child safety car seats have to be appropriate for the child passenger height and weight.

According to the Louisiana car seat law can a 10 years old sit in the front?

The laws in Louisiana are quite clear about that children under the age of 13 have to sit in the back if it’s available. Also according to safety laws children under the age of 2 have to be in rear facing car seats.

You might also like: Texas booster seat laws

What are the height and weight requirements for forward facing car seats according to the laws in Louisiana?

The child restraint has to meet the minimum height and weight requirements mentioned by the laws in Louisiana (safety laws). If the height and weight have reached the max it’s time to upgrade as safety laws mention.

What are the booster seat requirements in Louisiana?

According to the booster seat laws in Louisiana, kids must be in a booster seat from the age of 4 until they reach 9 years old, or longer if the seat belt does not provide adequate protection. The lower weight limit for booster seats is set at 40 pounds.

What are the Louisiana car seat laws for height and weight?

The minimum height and weight requirements for car seats in Louisiana are as follows: typically, when a child reaches 4-5 years of age, they transition into a booster seat. The lower weight limit is set to 40 pounds.

How old do you have to be to sit in the front seat in Louisiana?

According to the law, all kids under 13 have to sit in the back seat. So after the age 13 it is legal to sit in the front.

When can a child travel without a booster seat?

According to Louisiana booster seat laws 2023 after the age of 9 a child can travel without a booster seat if the seat belt can be used to secure them properly.

According to car seat laws Louisiana 2023 there are no specifics for weight only the age of 2. Then we need to check manufacturer’s recommendations which state 20 to 39 pounds.

What’s the Louisiana car seat laws 5 step test?

Here’s the 5 step test:


 

And here’s the Louisiana car seat laws:


 

Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!