Driving with kids in Alabama? Here’s exactly what Alabama law requires for car seats and booster seats — the age and weight thresholds, the fines, and the front-seat rules — drawn from the official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the statute itself, not a blog summary.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Alabama requires children under 15 to ride in a child restraint system: rear-facing until at least age 1 or 20 lbs, forward-facing until at least age 5 or 40 lbs, then a booster until age 6.
Alabama car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Alabama law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Infant-only seats and convertible seats used in the rear-facing position until the child is at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. |
| Forward-facing | Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least 5 years of age or 40 pounds. |
| Booster seat | Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age. |
| Seat belt only | A child restraint system is required for children under 15 years of age; seat belts required until 15. |
Fines and penalties in Alabama
Fine: $25 per violation.
Front seat rules in Alabama
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: .
The official law
- Statute: Ala. Code §§ 32-5-222, 32-5B-4
- Official source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Research note: A 2025 bill (HB 18) proposing to raise rear-facing to 2 years/35 lbs was introduced but is not law.
Alabama car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Alabama?
Fine: $25 per violation.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Alabama?
Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age. A child restraint system is required for children under 15 years of age; seat belts required until 15.
Does Alabama law require rear-facing car seats?
Infant-only seats and convertible seats used in the rear-facing position until the child is at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds.
Can my child ride in the front seat in Alabama?
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: .
Where can I read the official Alabama car seat law?
Statute: Ala. Code §§ 32-5-222, 32-5B-4 Official source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
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.