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Car seat & booster law

Virginia

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · Virginia

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 8 years old.

Children up to age 8 must be in a child restraint device, and it must be placed in the back seat. A child must remain rear-facing until at least age 2 or the seat's minimum forward-facing weight. From age 8, a seat belt is allowed.

Rear-facing < 2 yr Forward 2+ yr Booster < 8 yr Belt 8+ yr
Va. Code § 46.2-1095 Read the statute

Car seat law checker

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
Back seat
Required under 8

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 Virginia's legal minimum. Virginia already requires the restraint to be in the back seat; pediatricians recommend keeping a child in a booster until the belt fits.

Every stage, by the law

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

Rear-facing Va. Code § 46.2-1095
Age
Birth – 2 yr
Forward-facing Va. Code § 46.2-1095
Age
2 yr – 8 yr
Booster Va. Code § 46.2-1095
Age
until 8 yr
Seat belt Va. Code § 46.2-1095
Age
8 yr +
Back seat Va. Code § 46.2-1095
Age
under 8 yr

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in Virginia in 2026?
Children up to age 8 must be in a child restraint device, and it must be placed in the back seat. A child must stay rear-facing until at least age 2 or the seat's minimum forward-facing weight. From age 8, a seat belt is allowed.
Does Virginia require car seats in the back seat?
Yes. Virginia requires child restraint devices to be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.
Does Virginia require rear-facing car seats, and until what age?
Yes. Virginia requires a child to remain rear-facing until at least age 2, or until the child reaches the seat's minimum forward-facing weight. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as the seat allows.
When can my child stop using a car seat or booster in Virginia?
A child must be in a child restraint device up to age 8. From age 8, a properly worn seat belt is allowed. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child in a booster until the seat belt fits correctly across the shoulder and hips.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

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