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Car seat & booster law

Hawaii

Verified · AUG 2026

Quick answer · Hawaii

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 10 years old.

Children under 2 must ride rear-facing, then in a rear- or forward-facing harness, then in a harness or booster until age 10. A child 7 to 9 who is over 4 feet 9 inches may use a seat belt.

Rear-facing < 2 yr Forward 2+ yr Booster < 10 yr Belt 10+ yr
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-11.5 Read the statute

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The legally required restraint, by state.

3 yrs

General information, not legal advice.

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Required vs recommended

What the law enforces, and what pediatricians advise. They are not the same.

The law requires

Minimum, or it's enforceable

Rear-facing until
Age 2
Booster until
Age 10
Front seat
No age set in law

Pediatricians recommend

AAP: safer, not the law

Rear-facing until
To seat limit (often age 2+)
Booster until
4'9", typically age 8 to 12
Front seat
Back seat until 13

AAP guidance is a safety best practice and is separate from Hawaii's legal minimum. Hawaii's law is among the stronger ones, requiring a restraint or booster through age 9 in most cases.

Every stage, by the law

Dual units shown throughout (in + cm, lb + kg). Rows marked Guidance are best practice, not a statutory requirement in Hawaii.

Rear-facing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-11.5
Age
Birth – 2 yr
Forward-facing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-11.5
Age
2 yr – 10 yr
Booster Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-11.5
Age
until 10 yr
Seat belt Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291-11.5
Age
10 yr +
Back seat / front seat Guidance
Age
Recommended < 13

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in Hawaii in 2026?
Children under 2 must ride rear-facing, then in a rear- or forward-facing harness, then in a harness or booster until age 10. A child 7 to 9 may use a seat belt only if over 4 feet 9 inches and correctly buckled.
Is the Hawaii car seat law changing?
No. As of August 1, 2026, when SeatChecker last checked the statute, no enacted change to the Hawaii car seat law is scheduled. Current law: Children under 2 must ride rear-facing, then in a rear- or forward-facing harness, then in a harness or booster until age 10. A child 7 to 9 who is over 4 feet 9 inches may use a seat belt.
What age can a child sit in the front seat in Hawaii?
Hawaii law sets no minimum age for riding in the front seat. The child restraint rules still apply: a car seat or booster is required until age 10. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the back seat for all children under 13. That is best practice, not a legal requirement in Hawaii.
When can my child stop using a booster in Hawaii?
At age 10, or from age 7 if the child is over 4 feet 9 inches and the seat belt fits correctly. Pediatricians recommend a booster until the belt fits properly.
Until what age does a child have to be rear-facing in Hawaii?
Hawaii law requires a child under 2 to ride in a rear-facing child restraint with a harness. At age 2 the child may move to a rear- or forward-facing harnessed seat. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as the car seat's height and weight limits allow.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Hawaii?
A first conviction carries a fine of not more than $100. The driver must also complete a child passenger restraint safety class and pay a $50 driver education assessment.

Sources

Verified · AUG 2026

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