If you need the actual Oregon car seat law — not a guess — this page has it: the restraint stages, the fine for a violation, whether kids can ride up front, and a link to the official statute, all verified against Oregon Department of Transportation publications.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Oregon requires rear-facing to at least age 2 in the back seat, a forward-facing harness seat from age 2, a restraint/booster to age 8 if under 4’9″, and fines the driver $115 per violation.
Oregon car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Oregon law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Birth up to at least age 2, in the back seat, until the child reaches the seat’s upper weight/height limit. |
| Forward-facing | Age 2 up to at least 40 lbs, in a forward-facing car seat with harness until upper weight/height limit. |
| Booster seat | Age 4 up to at least age 8 — Oregon law requires continued use of a child restraint system if the child is 8 years old or younger and under 4′ 9″ tall. |
| Seat belt only | Age 8 (and 4′ 9″+, with properly fitting adult belt). |
Fines and penalties in Oregon
Fine: $115 (Class D traffic violation; per ODOT flyer: “The driver can be fined $115”).
Front seat rules in Oregon
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: Oregon law does not prohibit children from the front seat; rear-facing seats may never be placed in front of an active airbag; best practice recommends under 13 in the back seat.
The official law
- Statute: ORS 811.210
- Official source: Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Oregon?
Fine: $115 (Class D traffic violation; per ODOT flyer: “The driver can be fined $115”).
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Oregon?
Age 4 up to at least age 8 — Oregon law requires continued use of a child restraint system if the child is 8 years old or younger and under 4′ 9″ tall. Age 8 (and 4′ 9″+, with properly fitting adult belt).
Does Oregon law require rear-facing car seats?
Birth up to at least age 2, in the back seat, until the child reaches the seat’s upper weight/height limit.
Can my child ride in the front seat in Oregon?
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: Oregon law does not prohibit children from the front seat; rear-facing seats may never be placed in front of an active airbag; best practice recommends under 13 in the back seat.
Where can I read the official Oregon car seat law?
Statute: ORS 811.210 Official source: Oregon Department of Transportation.
Check another state
Driving across state lines? Requirements change at the border — use our interactive car seat law checker to look up any state by your child’s age, weight, and height.
Related state guides:
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Child passenger safety laws change — always verify current requirements with your state’s DMV, highway safety office, or the official statute linked below before making decisions.