North Dakota was the state that surprised me with how organized its car seat distribution network is for such a small population. The Department of Health and Human Services runs over 25 distribution sites statewide, and what caught my attention was the First District Health Unit’s model — they sell car seats at to the general public, but families on WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF pay just , and foster parents get the same rate. Backless boosters are . That’s a state that found a sustainable way to keep seats flowing to the families who need them most.
North Dakota recorded just 89 traffic fatalities in 2024 — the lowest in 24 years. But 48% of those killed were not wearing a seat belt, and lane departures were involved in 54% of fatal crashes. On rural two-lane highways where most of these crashes happen, a properly installed car seat can be the difference between a child walking away and a tragedy. Car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
This guide covers North Dakota’s 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:
North Dakota car seat laws
North Dakota’s child passenger safety law is clear and applies to all occupants under 18:
- Under 8 years old — must ride in a child restraint system (car seat or booster seat) appropriate for the child’s age, height, and weight, following all manufacturer instructions.
- Under 8 but at least 4’9″ tall — may use a correctly fitting seat belt instead of a child restraint.
- Ages 8 through 17 — must be properly secured in a seat belt or child restraint.
- Under 13 years old — should ride in the back seat.
The driver is responsible for ensuring all occupants are properly restrained. The penalty for a violation is a fine and 1 point on your license. First-time offenders may be required to attend a certified child passenger safety course.
If you need a seat that meets the law without a big price tag, check out our best-rated convertible car seats guide or see how the safest car seat brands compare side by side.
North Dakota-specific programs worth knowing about
These are real programs operating in North Dakota right now. Availability and funding change, so always call ahead before making a trip.
North Dakota Car Seat Distribution Program (Statewide)
Sponsored by the ND Department of Health and Human Services and the ND Department of Transportation, this program operates over 25 distribution locations across the state. Families qualifying for WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF can receive car seats at reduced cost. Each site has certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who provide installation education. Find your nearest location at the ND HHS distribution locations page.
First District Health Unit (Minot / Ward County area)
Offers car seats to all families at ( for backless boosters). Families receiving WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF pay just per seat ( for backless boosters). Foster parents qualify for the reduced rate. One seat per child per stage of growth. You must pre-register. Visit fdhu.org for details.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health — Child Passenger Safety Program
Offers free car seats to qualifying families in the Bismarck area, along with education on proper installation and use. Their certified technicians ensure you leave knowing how to install the seat yourself. Call 701-355-1540 for eligibility and appointments.
Safe Kids Grand Forks / Altru Health System
A partnership between Safe Kids Grand Forks and Altru Health System that provides car seat education, safety check events, and free or low-cost seats for qualifying families. They also partner with Walsh County Public Health and Polk County Public Health for broader coverage. Visit safekidsgf.com for program details and upcoming events.
Western Plains Public Health — Car Seat Program
Serves families in western North Dakota with car seat distribution and safety education. Contact them through westernplainsph.org for current availability and eligibility.
Central Valley Health District (Jamestown area)
Provides car seat safety education and distribution for families in their service area. Visit centralvalleyhealth.org/carseats for program details.
Minot Car Seat Coalition
Offers free car seat checks twice a month at Minot Fire Station #1. Call ahead to make an appointment. They’ll inspect your seat, correct installation problems, and replace expired or unsafe seats when inventory allows. Call the Car Seat Line at (701) 837-5195.
Important: Program funding and seat inventory change frequently. If one program is out of stock, try another — and check our complete guide to free car seats for additional national programs that serve North Dakota families.
Start here — the fastest path to a free or low-cost seat
If you need a car seat now, work through this list in order:
1. Find your nearest state distribution site. With over 25 locations statewide, there’s likely one near you. Check the ND HHS location finder. Have your WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF documentation ready for reduced pricing.
2. Call Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (701-355-1540) or your local health unit. If you’re in the Bismarck area, they provide free seats to qualifying families. First District Health Unit covers Minot/Ward County. Most local health units participate in the state distribution program.
3. Find a free inspection event near you. Use the NHTSA car seat inspection locator to find certified technicians in North Dakota. The Minot Car Seat Coalition runs twice-monthly checks at Fire Station #1.
4. Check statewide and national resources. Safe Kids Grand Forks coordinates events across the eastern part of the state. Our free car seats guide lists every major national program that serves North Dakota.
A quick warning about secondhand seats
A free seat from a friend or garage sale might seem like the easiest option, but it can be dangerous. Before using any secondhand car seat, verify all four of these:
- Expiration date — stamped on the shell. Most seats expire 6-10 years after manufacture.
- Recall status — check the NHTSA recall database using the model number.
- Crash history — any seat involved in a moderate or severe crash must be replaced. Period.
- All parts present — missing harness clips, chest clips, or padding means the seat cannot protect your child properly.
If you cannot verify all four, do not use it. A brand-new budget seat like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 (around ) or the Evenflo Tribute (around ) is far safer than a questionable hand-me-down. For more on what to do with seats you’re replacing, see our guide on what to do with old car seats.
Don’t do this alone
North Dakota may be one of the least populated states, but its car seat distribution network is surprisingly well-organized — over 25 sites, all staffed by certified technicians, with special pricing for families on public assistance. Whether you’re in Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks, or a smaller community, there’s a program within reach.
Start with the programs listed above, and brush up on the basics with our car seat safety guide so you know exactly what to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car seat laws in North Dakota?
Children under 8 must ride in a child restraint system appropriate for their age and size. Children under 8 who are at least 4’9″ tall may use a seat belt instead. Ages 8-17 must wear a seat belt. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat. Violations carry a fine plus 1 license point.
Where can I get a free or low-cost car seat in North Dakota?
North Dakota operates over 25 car seat distribution sites statewide through the Department of Health and Human Services. Families on WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF get reduced pricing (typically vs. ). Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health provides free seats to qualifying families. See our complete free car seats guide for additional programs.
Do foster parents qualify for car seat assistance in North Dakota?
Yes. Foster parents qualify for the same reduced pricing as families on public assistance at state distribution sites — typically per seat and for backless boosters. Contact your nearest distribution site or local health unit for details.
Do I need to take a class to get a car seat in North Dakota?
Most distribution programs require attendance at a car seat safety class or education session before receiving a seat. This is standard across the state’s 25+ distribution sites and is designed to ensure proper installation — studies show 73% of parents install car seats incorrectly.
Where can I get my car seat inspected for free in North Dakota?
The Minot Car Seat Coalition offers free checks twice a month at Fire Station #1 — call (701) 837-5195. Safe Kids Grand Forks hosts regular events in eastern ND. Use the NHTSA inspection station locator to find a certified technician near you.
What should I do if I can’t find a car seat program near me in North Dakota?
With 25+ distribution sites statewide, most families are within driving distance of one. Check the ND HHS location finder first. If none is accessible, a budget-friendly new seat like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 (around ) meets all federal safety standards. Check our best-rated car seats guide for more affordable options.
