Vermont’s child passenger safety law sets specific age, weight, and height thresholds for car seats and boosters. This guide lays out the current requirements as published by the official Vermont Legislature, plus penalties, front-seat rules, and answers to the questions parents ask most.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Vermont requires rear-facing under age 1 (or under 20 lbs at any age), a child passenger restraining system under age 8, and belts for ages 8–17. Fines: $25/$50/$100.
Vermont car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Vermont law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Children under age 1 and all children weighing less than 20 lbs (regardless of age) — rear-facing, not installed in front of an active airbag. |
| Forward-facing | Children weighing more than 20 lbs who are at least 1 year old and under 8 — in a child passenger restraining system (statute does not specify forward-facing orientation). |
| Booster seat | Not specified as a separate stage in state law (under-8 requirement is a “child passenger restraining system,” not a booster-specific rule). |
| Seat belt only | Age 8 (ages 8–17: safety belt system or child passenger restraining system per manufacturer specs). |
Fines and penalties in Vermont
Fine: $25 first violation / $50 second violation / $100 third and subsequent violations.
Front seat rules in Vermont
Front-seat rule: Child restraints must not be installed in front of an active airbag; no general rear-seat mandate in state law (a bill proposing “under 13, if possible, in the rear seat” was only proposed, not enacted, as of the 2023 legislative document).
The official law
- Statute: 23 V.S.A. § 1258
- Official source: Vermont Legislature
Research note: The “under 13 in the rear seat” language appears only in a 2023 proposed amendment (S.64), not in current law.
Vermont car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Vermont?
Fine: $25 first violation / $50 second violation / $100 third and subsequent violations.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Vermont?
Not specified as a separate stage in state law (under-8 requirement is a “child passenger restraining system,” not a booster-specific rule). Age 8 (ages 8–17: safety belt system or child passenger restraining system per manufacturer specs).
Does Vermont law require rear-facing car seats?
Children under age 1 and all children weighing less than 20 lbs (regardless of age) — rear-facing, not installed in front of an active airbag.
Can my child ride in the front seat in Vermont?
Front-seat rule: Child restraints must not be installed in front of an active airbag; no general rear-seat mandate in state law (a bill proposing “under 13, if possible, in the rear seat” was only proposed, not enacted, as of the 2023 legislative document).
Where can I read the official Vermont car seat law?
Statute: 23 V.S.A. § 1258 Official source: Vermont Legislature.
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.