Skip to content
SeatChecker.org

Car seat & booster law

South Dakota

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · South Dakota

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 5 years old.

A child under 5 must be in a child passenger restraint system, except that a child under 5 who weighs at least 40 pounds may use a seat belt. South Dakota sets no rear-facing, booster, or 4 feet 9 inch rule.

Rear-facing per seat Forward per seat Booster < 5 yr Belt 5+ yr
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-37-1 Read the statute

Car seat law checker

The legally required restraint, by state.

3 yrs

General information, not legal advice.

SeatChecker

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
Not specified by law
Booster until
Age 5
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 South Dakota's legal minimum, which is among the lightest in the nation (ending at age 5 or 40 pounds). Pediatricians recommend a booster until the seat belt fits, often around 4 feet 9 inches.

Every stage, by the law

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

Rear-facing Guidance
Age
Infant (per seat)
Forward-facing Guidance
Age
Toddler (per seat)
Booster S.D. Codified Laws § 32-37-1
Age
until 5 yr
Seat belt S.D. Codified Laws § 32-37-1
Age
5 yr +
Back seat Guidance
Age
Recommended < 13

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in South Dakota in 2026?
A child under 5 must be in a child passenger restraint system, except that a child under 5 who weighs at least 40 pounds may use a seat belt. There is no booster or 4 feet 9 inch requirement.
Does South Dakota require booster seats?
No. South Dakota's child restraint requirement ends at age 5 (or 40 pounds), with no separate booster law. Pediatricians still recommend a booster until the seat belt fits, usually around 4 feet 9 inches and ages 8 to 12.
At what age can a child use a seat belt in South Dakota?
A child must be in a child passenger restraint system until age 5. As an exception, a child under 5 who weighs at least 40 pounds may use a seat belt. From age 5, a seat belt is allowed.
Does South Dakota require rear-facing car seats?
No. South Dakota sets no rear-facing, booster, or 4 feet 9 inch rule. Pediatricians still recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as the seat allows and using a booster until the seat belt fits properly.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

Keep exploring

Check your child

Enter age, height, and weight for the exact restraint.

All states

Browse car seat laws for every US state.