Ohio Car Seat Laws (2025)

Overview of Ohio Car Seat Laws

Some states provide highly specific guidance about the seats required at each age or weight. Other states only provide broad guidance, such as the ages and weights covered. Ohio falls in the middle ground, providing some guidance while also giving discretion to parents.

Ohio Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size

Ohio’s car seat law applies to all adult drivers, including parents, babysitters and carpool drivers. In other words, all drivers are subject to ticketing if they fail to provide child car seats, regardless of their relationship to the child. These car seats must comply with the following requirements:

Rear-Facing Requirements

Ohio car seat laws do not specify when a parent must use a rear-facing car seat. Best practices suggest that adults should provide these seats until the child is two years old. However, the minimum time for these seats is until the child reaches one year in age or 20 pounds in weight.

Forward Facing Requirements

Ohio car seat laws require parents to use car seats until the child is four years old or 40 pounds. It does not specify whether those seats must face the rear or front of the vehicle.

However, infants and toddlers should generally use rear-facing seats until their necks are strong enough to withstand a frontal impact or rear end collision. After that point, the child can graduate to a forward-facing car seat.

Booster Seat Requirements

Adult drivers can move a child to a booster seat after they turn four years old or weigh more than 40 pounds, whichever occurs first. They must then use a booster until they turn eight years old or reach four feet, nine inches in height.

When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Ohio?

Ohio does not require children to ride in the rear seats. However, parents should avoid using car seats in the front seat of vehicles with airbags unless the airbag is deactivated.

Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Ohio

A car seat violation is a minor misdemeanor for a first offense. The court can fine the driver $25 to $75. Repeat offenses are fourth-degree misdemeanors punishable with jail time.

Exceptions or Special Cases in Ohio

Drivers are excused from the car seat laws if they are transporting a child during a bona fide emergency, like a medical event.

Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?

ConsumerShield helps Ohio residents facing car seat violations defend themselves. Contact us for a free case review and legal referral.