Driving with kids in Rhode Island? Here’s exactly what Rhode Island law requires for car seats and booster seats — the age and weight thresholds, the fines, and the front-seat rules — drawn from the official RI Division of Motor Vehicles and the statute itself, not a blog summary.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Rhode Island requires rear-facing to at least age 2 or 30 lbs, a booster or harness under age 8 (under 80 lbs/57 in), rear-seat riding for all children under 8, and fines $85 per violation.
Rhode Island car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Rhode Island law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Birth to at least a minimum of age 2 or at least 30 lbs — rear-facing only and/or convertible car seat (if still under 2 and under 30 lbs, must remain rear-facing). |
| Forward-facing | Minimum age 2 or 30 lbs (or to the manufacturer’s max rear-facing weight) — forward-facing convertible car seat only after age 2. |
| Booster seat | Children under 8 who are under 80 lbs and/or under 57 inches (4′ 9″) — booster seat or safety harness. |
| Seat belt only | Age 8 (a child under 8 who is at least 57 inches tall or at least 80 lbs may wear a lap/shoulder belt, in a rear seating position). |
Fines and penalties in Rhode Island
Fine: $85 — for a child riding in the front seat or a child over age 7 not in a child restraint system; a violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint mandates a court appearance.
Front seat rules in Rhode Island
Front-seat rule: Children under 8 must ride in a rear seating position (per 31-22-22(a); narrow exceptions apply).
The official law
- Statute: R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22
- Official source: RI Division of Motor Vehicles
Rhode Island car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Rhode Island?
Fine: $85 — for a child riding in the front seat or a child over age 7 not in a child restraint system; a violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint mandates a court appearance.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Rhode Island?
Children under 8 who are under 80 lbs and/or under 57 inches (4′ 9″) — booster seat or safety harness. Age 8 (a child under 8 who is at least 57 inches tall or at least 80 lbs may wear a lap/shoulder belt, in a rear seating position).
Does Rhode Island law require rear-facing car seats?
Birth to at least a minimum of age 2 or at least 30 lbs — rear-facing only and/or convertible car seat (if still under 2 and under 30 lbs, must remain rear-facing).
Can my child ride in the front seat in Rhode Island?
Front-seat rule: Children under 8 must ride in a rear seating position (per 31-22-22(a); narrow exceptions apply).
Where can I read the official Rhode Island car seat law?
Statute: R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22 Official source: RI Division of Motor Vehicles.
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.