Missouri Car Seat Laws: A Guide (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- Children under two must be in rear-facing car seats in Missouri
- They may graduate to front-facing car seats and booster seats with time
- Violating the law generally leads to a $50 fine
Missouri car seat laws are based on child safety research. Before you buckle up, make sure your child’s car seat is safe and compliant with these laws.
Missouri Car Seat Laws Overview
Traffic accident statistics in Missouri show that children are safer in car seats. Missouri requires children to be in age- and weight-appropriate car seats until they are big enough to safely use a regular seat belt.
Car Seat Types and Transition Guidelines
Missouri car seat laws mention several types of car seats, including:
- Rear-Facing Car Seats: Protect babies and small children
- Front-Facing Car Seats: Keep children secured in a harness
- Booster Seats: Elevate older children so that they can safely wear a seat belt
Although a child may graduate to the next car seat once they’ve met the state requirements, they may remain in their current car seat as long as they fall within the manufacturer’s height/weight requirements.
Age and Size Requirements for Car Seats
In Missouri, children must meet certain criteria to transition to the next type of car seat. These are the key requirements for each type:
Rear-Facing Car Seats
Children under two must be in rear-facing car seats in the back seat.
Front-Facing Car Seats
Once the child exceeds the manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight, they may move to a forward-facing car seat.
Booster Seats
When a child is between the ages of four and eight, weighs more than 40 pounds, or both, they may move to a booster seat.
Seat Belts
If a child weighs at least 80 pounds and is at least 4’9” tall, they may safely wear a seat belt without a booster seat.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat?
Because airbags are designed to protect adults, small children may suffer serious injuries if they’re in an accident while sitting in the front seat. Missouri doesn’t have a law restricting children from sitting in the front seat, but it’s generally best for kids to stay in the back seat until they are at least 13.
Car Seat Use in Taxis and Ride Shares
Missouri doesn’t require children to be in car seats in taxis and rideshare vehicles. However, since car accidents are still possible, it’s best to bring a car seat if possible.
Special Situations and Exemptions
Children on buses and other kinds of public transportation do not have to be in car seats, and neither do children on school buses.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws
Penalties for violating car seat laws start at a fine of $50 plus court costs. However, penalties may increase with repeated violations.
Need Legal Help?
If you’ve been cited for violating car seat laws, a lawyer might be able to help. Contact ConsumerShield to start matching with nearby attorneys today.
Other missouri Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Kids through age 15 are required to wear seat belts in Missouri.
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Yes. Missouri publishes a list of sites that perform free car seat checks.
