Nevada might be known around the world for casinos and nightlife, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore with children, too. Whether you’re taking in the beauty of Red Rock Canyon, checking out the Shark Reef Aquarium or visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame, there’s something every child will love.
You want your family’s adventures to be memorable for all the right reasons, so before you hit the road, take a moment to verify that you’re in compliance with Nevada car seat laws.
Overview of Nevada Car Seat Laws
Car accidents can cause devastating injuries to adults. Because of their smaller size, kids are even more vulnerable to serious injury or death if they’re involved in a crash. For that reason, Nevada car seat laws require you to restrain young children in appropriate car seats.
Nevada Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Nevada car seat laws aren't quite as stringent as those in some other states. Here’s a look at the requirements for each type of car seat:
Rear-Facing Requirements
Nevada requires kids under two years of age to ride in a rear-facing car seat.
Forward-Facing Requirements
Kids under the age of six and under 57” tall must ride in an approved forward-facing (or rear-facing) car seat.
Booster Seat Requirements
Nevada doesn’t require you to use booster seats.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Nevada?
Nevada law doesn’t set a specific age for children to ride in the front seat. However, most safety experts suggest keeping kids in the back seat until they reach age 13.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Nevada
Nevada has a system of graduated penalties for car seat violations:
- First Offense: $100 to $500 fine or 10 to 50 hours of community service
- Second Offense: $500 to $1,000 fine or 50 to 100 hours of community service
- Third or Subsequent Offense: 30 to 180-day driver’s license suspension
If this is your first offense, you may be able to have the fine or community service waived if you prove that you have installed a proper car seat. If it’s your second offense, installing a car seat can reduce your fines or community service hours by half.
Exceptions or Special Cases in Nevada
Exceptions apply when a child is traveling on public transportation (school buses, taxis and emergency vehicles) or there is a signed doctor’s note providing a reason why the required car seat rules would be dangerous to apply for a specific child’s condition.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
If you’re looking for an attorney who can help you fight a car seat ticket, a Las Vegas car accident lawyer or any other kind of legal professional, let ConsumerShield help you find the right representative for you. We analyze your case and match you wth qualified lawyers near you. Fill out our form to start your free case review!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Like many states, Nevada won’t add points to your license if you’re convicted of a child restraint violation.
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Once your child has outgrown their car seat, it’s safest to use a booster seat until they can safely use a standard seat belt.
