Driving with kids in Louisiana? Here’s exactly what Louisiana law requires for car seats and booster seats — the age and weight thresholds, the fines, and the front-seat rules — drawn from the official Louisiana Emergency Response Network (official .gov chart) and the statute itself, not a blog summary.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Louisiana requires rear-facing under age 2, a forward-facing harness seat for ages 2–4, a belt-positioning booster for ages 4–9, and rear-seat riding under age 13. First-offense fine: $100.
Louisiana car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Louisiana law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Child younger than 2 years: rear-facing infant or convertible child safety seat. |
| Forward-facing | Child at least 2 years old who has outgrown the rear-facing seat by height or weight: forward-facing child safety seat with an internal harness. |
| Booster seat | Child at least 4 years old who has outgrown the forward-facing internal-harness seat by height or weight: belt-positioning booster seat, secured with a vehicle lap-shoulder seat belt. |
| Seat belt only | Child at least 9 years old, or who has outgrown the booster seat and can pass the 5-step test: lap-shoulder belt secured correctly on the vehicle seat. |
Fines and penalties in Louisiana
Fine: Per Act No. 300 / HB 814 (official legislative summary): $100 for a first offense; not less than $250 and not more than $500 for a second offense; $500 plus all costs of court for a third or subsequent offense. A violation limited to using an inappropriate age/size restraint (not a wrong category) is capped at $100 including fees and court costs.
Front seat rules in Louisiana
Front-seat rule: Children younger than 13 years old must ride in the rear seat of the vehicle, when available.
The official law
- Statute: La. R.S. 32:295
- Official source: Louisiana Emergency Response Network (official .gov chart)
Louisiana car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Louisiana?
Fine: Per Act No. 300 / HB 814 (official legislative summary): $100 for a first offense; not less than $250 and not more than $500 for a second offense; $500 plus all costs of court for a third or subsequent offense. A violation limited to using an inappropriate age/size restraint (not a wrong category) is capped at $100 including fees and court costs.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Louisiana?
Child at least 4 years old who has outgrown the forward-facing internal-harness seat by height or weight: belt-positioning booster seat, secured with a vehicle lap-shoulder seat belt. Child at least 9 years old, or who has outgrown the booster seat and can pass the 5-step test: lap-shoulder belt secured correctly on the vehicle seat.
Does Louisiana law require rear-facing car seats?
Child younger than 2 years: rear-facing infant or convertible child safety seat.
Can my child ride in the front seat in Louisiana?
Front-seat rule: Children younger than 13 years old must ride in the rear seat of the vehicle, when available.
Where can I read the official Louisiana car seat law?
Statute: La. R.S. 32:295 Official source: Louisiana Emergency Response Network (official .gov chart).
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.