What are the Virginia Car Seat Laws?

 

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

I can think of many interesting things to do then looking up car seat laws for the state of Virginia.

Look:

By reading this article, you will save a lot of time and keep your kids safe in the meantime. Plus you won’t have to pay any fines. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Since I’m a mom of 3 heavenly kids (only when they sleep) and we’re traveling a ton, I have no choice but to learn all the car seat laws. Luckily my paralegal background helps me out by understanding complex lawyer-speak, and I can break it down to you.

For this reason, I’ve created this article to help out fellow parents. Best of all, I will only be using simple and actionable language, so you don’t have to use a dictionary to look up fancy words.

Now you might be interested in only a few key questions no problem, I have already answered the most important ones below, such as do you need a car seat in a taxi? Or what is the booster seat law, or when can a child legally sit in the front. Scroll, and you will find it.

Let’s get started already!

 

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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.

 

Virginia Booster Seat Laws

Virginia-Booster-Seat-Laws

There’s no specific booster seat law for the state of Virginia; however, the blanket law states that kids under the age of 8 have to be secured in an appropriate car seat.

So after your child has outgrown their forward-facing car seat, typically around 4, they can use a booster seat until the age of 8.

 

Virginia Rear-facing Car Seat Laws

According to the law, all kids under the age of 2 have to be secured rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height requirements of the manufacturer.

 

Virginia Forward-facing Car Seat Laws

Again it’s a blanket law, so we can conclude that when kids outgrow their rear-facing car seat, they can be upgraded into a forward-facing car seat.

This typically happens around the age of 2. This seat should be used until they reach the maximum weight and height limits stated by the manufacturer.

 

Virginia Taxi Car Seat Laws

In the state of Virginia, taxis are exempt from the car seat laws mentioned above. This means that you have to bring your car seat to protect your child during short trips.

 

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

According to the law, kids above the age of 8 can sit in the front if secured with a seat belt. However, I highly agree with experts who say that only kids above the age of 13 should sit in the front.

Rear-facing car seats can’t be installed in the front seat. However, if there’s no back seat, then they are permitted if the airbags are disabled.

 

Virginia Car Seat Laws at a Glance

Here you can find the entire law in one place:

Car Seat Law (Code of Virginia Article 13 – Section 46.2)

Law: According to the law, kids under the age of 8 have to be secured the following way:

  • If your child is under the age of 2 or didn’t reach the maximum weight and height limits stated by the manufacturer, then they have to use a rear-facing car seat.
  • If your child is between 8 and 18, they must be secured by the seat belt.
  • All safety seats have to be used properly, and only FMVSS 213 approved seats should be used.
  • Kids can’t ride in the cargo area unsecured.

Location in car: According to the law, rear-facing car seats have to be installed in the back seat if there’s one. If there isn’t, then the airbag has to be deactivated.

Taxi: Taxis are exempt from the car seat laws mentioned above.

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

Fines: $50

 

Virginia Seat Belt Law

  • Law: According to the law, all front occupants must wear a seat belt.
  • Fine: $25
  • RVs: The RV law follows the general car seat law meaning all front occupants have to wear the seat belt, and for kids, car seat laws apply.

 

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

Currently, no laws would prohibit leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. To be on the safe side, you should have a 12-year-old in the vehicle if you can’t take your little one with you.

 

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

According to the law, it’s illegal to smoke in a vehicle if a child under the age of 15 present. Either way, secondhand smoke is a known disease agent.

 

Conclusions on Virginia Car Seat Laws

We have reached the end of this article. As I promised above, I’ve delivered the info in a simple and straightforward manner.

I hope you have found everything that you’ve been looking for. Just in case I have missed something, let me know, and I will do my best to help 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!

 

If you’re going to Maryland here’s what you need to know about car seat laws?

There are looser and stricter states when it comes to keep kids safe on the road. No matter your preferences here you can find the latest Maryland car seat laws explained in simple English.

Related state: Booster seat requirements WV

Related Article: What are the Florida Car Seat Laws?

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the age and weight of a booster seat in Virginia?

For the state of Virginia, the booster seat age and the weight limits are as follows. The minimum requirements are 40 pounds and 4 years of age. The maximum amount depends on brand and model, and it can be anywhere from 80 to 100 pounds. Typically booster seats are not needed after 57 inches in height.

How old does a child have to be to sit in the front seat in Virginia?

Eight years old is the age when a child can sit legally in the front in the state of Virginia.

When can babies face forward in 2021?

Babies can face forward when they weigh more than 20 pounds, and this can happen between ages 1 and 4.

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

A child passenger safety technician is a certified professional who can help you choose the right car seats or child restraint system let it be convertible car seat  or booster seats. Aslo they can explain virginia law (virginia car seat law) in advance. Plus they can help you to get the perfect install for any child restraint system (child restraint device) or child safety seat since car seat safety  is very important they can help. Best of all they can advise you when you can leave the child safety seat behind and use a child restraint device such as seat belts according to virginia law.

What does the virginia law says about front passenger seat use by kids?

There’s only one mentioning in the virginia law which is kid under 2 years old have to be secured on the back seat. There are no other specifications beyond that. Other states recommend that kids over 13 years old should sit in the front which means all those who use a child restraint device such as seat belts.

Last Updated on November 7, 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!