Mississippi is steeped in history and Southern charm. Whether you want to hear live music in the birthplace of the blues, enjoy fried catfish and collards, or spend a day on a beautiful Gulf beach, there’s no shortage of activities for your whole family.
The next time you and your kids go exploring, double-check that your child restraint systems meet the requirements set forth by Mississippi car seat laws.
Overview of Mississippi Car Seat Laws
Mississippi car seat laws are more relaxed than those in many other states. Notably, the law does not require rear-facing car seats for very young children. Additionally, if you’re caught violating the state’s car seat laws, you’ll likely only face a small fine.
Mississippi Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Here’s a look at Mississippi’s requirements for child car seats:
Rear-Facing Requirements
Some states require kids to stay in rear-facing car seats until the age of two. Mississippi is not one of these states, and it doesn’t ever require kids to be in rear-facing seats.
However, a rear-facing seat is the best way to protect your child in the car. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing seat until they exceed the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
Forward-Facing Requirements
In Mississippi, kids under four must be in a car seat. The law does not outline a specific timeframe for a child to transition from a rear-facing seat to a front-facing one.
Booster Seat Requirements
Kids between the ages of four and six must be in a booster seat until they reach a height of 4’9” or a weight of 65 pounds. Once they are seven years old, they may ride with a standard adult seat belt.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Mississippi?
Mississippi law does not set a specific age for children to ride in the front seat. However, the AAP suggests waiting until a child is at least 13.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Mississippi
In Mississippi, you may face a child restraint violation if your child is not in a car seat. The penalty for a first-time violation is $25. It’s considered a misdemeanor offense, but it does not go on your driving record.
Mississippi’s car seat laws include a provision stating that in the event of an accident, failing to have your child secured in an appropriate car seat may not be considered comparative negligence or contributory negligence.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
Whether you’re looking for a traffic attorney to help you fight a car seat violation or a Mississippi car accident lawyer to help you recover compensation after a crash, finding the right lawyer can be hard. That’s where we come in. At ConsumerShield, we’re committed to helping people like you connect with local, experienced attorneys.
Fill out our contact form below to get started with a free case review today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. While there are a handful of exceptions, Mississippi generally requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts.
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Maybe — that depends on the circumstances. An experienced attorney should be able to review your situation and help you understand your options.
