Car seat laws in VA are designed to protect children in case of any car accident or any other possible risks. Any driver in Virginia is responsible for practicing these laws and regulations in case of any babies, toddlers or younger children are in their car.

This is why we wanted to share more information about the car seat laws in VA with you. Below, we have covered everything, including the laws and seats you need to have in your vehicle. Keep in mind that not practicing these laws will result in a fine.

However, fine should be your last concern. All these laws are designed to ensure the safety of your children.

What Are Car Seat Laws in VA?

The car seat laws in VA are all designed to keep children secure during a ride. If you have children who are younger than 8 years old, then your kids must travel in special chairs. Depending on their age, you will have to use different seats.

In addition to this, any children who are younger than 8 years old are obliged to wear a car seat belt. If you are going to use a rear-facing seat, then you need to make sure that you place it in the back seat of your vehicle.

On the other hand, you are allowed to place it in the front seat only if you deactivate the airbag.

What Else Do You Need to Know About Car Seat Laws in VA

If you will not comply with the car seat laws in VA, you will be charged with $50 fine. However, if you fail to practice these laws for the second time, your fine will be increased to an additional $500. In case you keep violating the laws, then you may be charged with a felony too.

If you have a child with a special medical condition who is not able to sit in any of the determined seats, then you need to follow the seat recommendations of your pediatrician. Of course, you need to keep a copy of the report in your vehicle as well.

Rear-Facing Seats

According to the car seat laws in VA, children who are younger than 2 years old must sit in a rear-facing car seat. The only exception here is if your children do not meet the weight or height limit of these seats anymore, then you can use forward-facing seats.

Keep in mind that these seats must be located in the back seat of your vehicle. However, if your airbags are deactivated, you can also place rear-facing seats in the front seat as well. Additionally, the buckle of these seats must be bucked tightly in the car. They should not move more than one inch when pulled.

Forward-Facing Seats

If your child is older than two years old or does not meet the weight or height limit anymore, then you need to use forward-facing seats. This is clearly stated in the car seat laws in VA. Although there is no seat recommendation, your children will be safer in the back seat of your vehicle.

You need to make sure that the buckle of the seat will be tightly buckled in the car and it should not move more than an inch when pulled. Additionally, you need to pay attention to using the correct belt to secure forward-facing seat belts in your vehicles.

Booster Seats

When your child does not meet the weight or height limit of forward-facing seats anymore, then car seat laws in VA suggest using booster seats. There are no age requirements or rules to follow in this regard.

As usual, keeping your child in the back seat of your vehicle will be a safer option. You have to secure your children with shoulder and lap belts. In addition to this, the lap belt should not sit on the stomach but on the thighs of your children.

If your vehicle has a backrest, then you need to prefer booster seats without a back as well.

Seat Belt

Once your children turn 8 years old, the car seat laws in VA recommend using the seat belt. However, in case your children do not fit correctly in the seat belt, then you are obliged to keep using the booster seats.

Both shoulder and lap belts must be used to secure your children. In addition to this, the lap belt should not sit on the stomach of your kid but on the thighs. Additionally, the shoulder belt should sit in the middle of the chest but not under the arm, on the neck, or behind the back.

All children under 13 years old must travel in vehicles in the back seat. This is a way safer option that can be a life savior. If you need assistance or guidance from a professional, you can always search for a car seat lawyer near me phrase on any search engine.