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Car seat & booster law

Texas

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · Texas

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

A child younger than 8 years old must ride in a child passenger safety seat system unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Once a child is 8 or taller than 4 feet 9 inches, a seat belt is legal.

Rear-facing per seat Forward per seat Booster < 8 yr Belt 8+ yr
Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412 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
Not specified by law
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 the Texas legal minimum. Texas law sets a single requirement (a safety seat under 8 and under 4 feet 9 inches); pediatricians recommend a longer, staged progression.

Every stage, by the law

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

Rear-facing Guidance
Age
Infant (per seat)
Forward-facing Guidance
Age
Toddler (per seat)
Booster Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412
Age
until 8 yr
Height
< 4'9" / 145 cm
Seat belt Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412
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 Texas in 2026?
A child younger than 8 years old must ride in a child passenger safety seat system unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. After that, a seat belt is legal. The seat must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Does Texas require rear-facing car seats until age 2?
No. Texas law does not set a specific rear-facing age; it requires the seat to be used per the manufacturer's instructions. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as the seat allows.
When can my child use a seat belt in Texas?
A child can legally use a seat belt once they are 8 years old or taller than 4 feet 9 inches (about 57 inches). For safety, the belt should fit correctly across the shoulder and hips.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Texas?
It is a misdemeanor with a fine of $25 to $250. A first-time offender who did not have a seat may have the charge dismissed by getting an appropriate child safety seat.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

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