Imagine you’re traveling on I-5 en route to Moint Rainer with your child in the backseat, and a speeding car rear-ends you. If your child is not in an appropriate car seat, they can fly forward and hit the seat in front of them, strike a window or crash against the windshield.
Washington state car seat laws can help prevent catastrophic injuries. Learn more about these laws and what the penalties for breaking them can be.
Overview of Washington Car Seat Laws
Washington state car seat laws require that all children be secured in appropriate car seats or booster seats until they reach a height of 4’9”. The restraint system must meet all U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
Washington Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
To avoid a child restraint violation, you must ensure your child is in the car seat most appropriate for their age and size.
Rear-Facing Requirements
Children under the age of two must be in rear-facing car seats.
Forward Facing Requirements
Washington state car seat laws allow children between the ages of two and four to sit either in a forward or rear-facing seat. Forward-facing car seats must have harnesses.
Booster Seat Requirements
Children four and older who are below the height of 4’9” must travel in a booster seat.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Washington?
Children 13 and older can ride in the front seat. For children younger than that age, airbags can still pose a risk.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Washington
A police officer can pull you over solely because of a child restraint issue in Washington. You will have to pay a fine and likely attend a child restraint safety class. If you violate Washington state car seat laws again, the fines will increase.
Exceptions or Special Cases in Washington
The only exceptions to these laws in Washington state apply to hired vehicles, those meant to transport sixteen or fewer passengers and that are operated by transport companies, vehicles offering shuttle services and buses.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
Whether you need a personal injury lawyer in Washington or you were stopped by police and are facing fines and the need to attend safety classes, the team at ConsumerShield can connect you with representation throughout Washington state. Fill out our form to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. If you file a personal injury claim for the collision, you would not be considered as having contributed to the injuries your child suffered.
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Yes. If you’re able to present evidence within seven days to the jurisdiction that issued the infraction that you purchased the appropriate child seat, the charge can be dismissed.
