Massachusetts was the state that showed me what a city-level car seat program can look like when it’s done right. BuckleUpBoston distributes free seats through 22 community health centers and hospitals across the city, training families on-site and protecting over 1,600 low-income children every year. When I called Boston Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention line at 617-355-7332, they walked me through the whole process — attend a one-hour class, get a seat. Simple.
Massachusetts has one of the lowest traffic fatality rates in the nation, with 342 deaths in 2025 — down from 364 in 2024. The state also saw its lowest number of unbelted fatalities since 2015. Car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, and Massachusetts proves that strong laws plus accessible programs actually work.
This guide covers Massachusetts car seat laws, real programs that provide free or low-cost seats, and the fastest steps to get one for your child today.
View our lists of free car seat programs by type:
Massachusetts car seat laws
Massachusetts has straightforward child passenger safety requirements with primary enforcement — meaning police can pull you over solely for a car seat violation:
- Under age 1: Must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Best practice is to keep children rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit of their seat.
- Under age 8 and under 57 inches (4’9″): Must be in a federally approved car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
- Ages 8-12: Must wear a seat belt. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat.
- Taxis and ride-shares: No exemptions — car seats are required in all vehicles including taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
The fine is per unrestrained child, with some violations carrying fines up to 0. It’s a primary enforcement law, so officers can stop you specifically for this.
If cost is what’s holding you back, Boston and Massachusetts have some of the strongest free car seat programs in the country — see below. You can also browse our best-rated convertible car seats guide for affordable options.
Massachusetts-specific programs worth knowing about
BuckleUpBoston! (Boston) — This is one of the most impressive city-level car seat programs in the country. BUB distributes free or low-cost car seats through 22 participating community health centers and hospitals across Boston. Staff at each site train families on correct car seat use and provide a seat on-site. You qualify if you fall below poverty level or meet MassHealth (Medicaid) guidelines. The program protects over 1,600 children per year. Visit boston.gov/buckle-boston.
Boston Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Program — Income-eligible families receiving care at Boston Children’s Primary Care can get a free car seat or booster seat after attending a one-hour training session. They also provide free training and installation tips to any family. Call 617-355-7332 for details. Visit childrenshospital.org.
Boston Medical Center Child Passenger Safety Program — Offers car seat installation by certified technicians and provides free seats and boosters to income-eligible families receiving care at BMC. Call 617-414-8007 for information or to schedule an installation appointment.
Boston EMS Car Seat Program — Boston EMS will help ensure you have the right seat for your child and install it properly. Call 617-343-6891 or email [email protected] to make an appointment.
Massachusetts Car Seat Distribution Program (statewide) — This state-level initiative provides car seats to qualifying organizations for distribution to low-income families by certified Child Passenger Safety technicians. Visit mass.gov for participating organizations in your area.
Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Boston — Based at Boston Children’s Hospital, this program focuses on preventing injuries in children including car seat safety. Visit injuryfree.org.
Safe Kids Massachusetts — Coordinates car seat check events and safety workshops across the state. Watch for local events offering free inspections.
Local fire departments and health departments — Many Massachusetts fire stations and community health centers have certified technicians who offer free car seat inspections and can connect you with distribution programs.
Important: program availability and funding can change from year to year. If a program listed here has run out of seats or changed its requirements, check our complete state-by-state free car seat guide for additional options.
Start here — the fastest path to a free or low-cost seat
- In Boston, visit your community health center — BuckleUpBoston operates through 22 sites across the city. If you’re on MassHealth or below poverty level, you can get a seat on the spot.
- Call Boston Children’s at 617-355-7332 — attend a one-hour training session and receive a free seat if you’re income-eligible.
- Call Boston Medical Center at 617-414-8007 — they provide seats and installation to income-eligible families in their system.
- Outside Boston, call 1-800-CAR-SAFE (1-800-227-7233) — Massachusetts’ car seat safety hotline can connect you with local resources and programs statewide.
A quick warning about secondhand seats
If someone offers you a used car seat, proceed with caution. Only accept one if you can verify all four of these:
- It has never been in a crash — even a minor one
- It hasn’t expired (check the label — most seats expire 6 to 10 years after manufacture)
- There are no cracks, missing parts, or frayed harness straps
- It hasn’t been recalled by NHTSA
If you can’t confirm all four, it’s not worth the risk. A brand-new Cosco Mighty Fit 65 runs about and meets every federal safety standard. The Evenflo Tribute is another solid option around .
Don’t do this alone
Massachusetts has one of the lowest traffic fatality rates in the country, and programs like BuckleUpBoston show why — when you make car seats genuinely accessible, families use them. Between the city-level programs in Boston and the statewide distribution network, most Massachusetts families can find a path to a safe seat. If you’re new to car seats entirely, start with our car seat safety basics guide to understand what type of seat your child needs right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free car seat in Massachusetts?
In Boston, BuckleUpBoston distributes free seats through 22 community health centers to families on MassHealth or below poverty level. Boston Children’s Hospital (617-355-7332) and Boston Medical Center (617-414-8007) also provide free seats to income-eligible families. Outside Boston, call 1-800-CAR-SAFE for local resources. Check our full guide for more options.
What are Massachusetts’ car seat laws?
Children under 1 must be rear-facing. Kids under 8 and under 4’9″ need a car seat or booster. Ages 8-12 must wear a seat belt. No exemptions for taxis or ride-shares. This is a primary enforcement law — police can stop you specifically for a violation. Fines range from to 0.
Does MassHealth cover car seats?
MassHealth enrollment qualifies you for BuckleUpBoston’s free car seat program if you’re a Boston resident. Outside Boston, the statewide Car Seat Distribution Program works through qualifying organizations to provide seats to low-income families. Contact your community health center to ask about availability.
Where can I get my car seat inspected in Massachusetts?
Boston EMS offers free inspections (617-343-6891). Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center have certified technicians. Many local fire departments also offer free checks. Find your nearest inspection station through NHTSA’s locator tool.
What if I can’t afford a car seat in Massachusetts?
BuckleUpBoston provides free seats at 22 locations across the city. Boston Children’s and BMC both offer seats to income-eligible families. The statewide program distributes through local organizations. If those don’t work, the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 costs about and meets all federal safety standards.
Are car seats required in Uber and Lyft in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts law requires proper child restraints in all vehicles, with no exemptions for taxis, Uber, Lyft, or any other ride-share service. If you’re traveling with a child under 8 and under 4’9″, you need to bring your own car seat. Some ride-share apps offer “car seat” vehicle options in certain areas.
