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Car seat & booster law

New York

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · New York

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 8 years old or taller than 4'9".

Children under 2 must ride rear-facing. Children under 4 must be in a child restraint system, and children 4 to under 8 must be in a child restraint system or booster with a lap and shoulder belt. A seat belt is required through age 16.

Rear-facing < 2 yr Forward per seat Booster < 8 yr Belt 8+ yr
N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c 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 8 or 4'9"
Back seat
Not required

Pediatricians recommend

AAP — safer, not the law

Rear-facing until
To seat limit (often age 2+)
Booster until
4'9" — typically age 8–12
Back seat
Until age 13

AAP guidance is a safety best practice and is separate from New York's legal minimum. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child in each stage longer than the law requires.

Every stage, by the law

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

Rear-facing N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c
Age
Birth – 2 yr
Forward-facing Guidance
Age
Toddler (per seat)
Booster N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c
Age
until 8 yr
Height
< 4'9" / 145 cm
Seat belt N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c
Age
8 yr +
Height
or ≥ 4'9" / 145 cm
Back seat Guidance
Age
Recommended < 13

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in New York in 2026?
Children under 2 must ride rear-facing. Children under 4 must be in a child restraint system, and children 4 to under 8 must be in a child restraint or booster with the lap and shoulder belt. A seat belt is required through age 16.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in New York?
A child must use a child restraint or booster until age 8. It is a defense that the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches and/or over 100 pounds. Pediatricians recommend a booster until the seat belt fits, around 4 feet 9 inches and ages 8 to 12.
Until what age must my child ride rear-facing in New York?
A child under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing seat in New York. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in New York?
A violation involving a child under 8 carries a civil fine of $25 to $100. On a first offense, the fine may be waived if you purchase an appropriate child restraint system before your court appearance.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

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