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Rhode Island Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

January 15, 2021 by Sam Webster Leave a Comment

Did you know that Rhode Island’s seat belt usage is consistently lower than the national average?

But you can make a difference! Follow the state’s seat belt laws, and check out the other important safety info we’ve listed below:

Quick Navigation
Rhode Island Infant/Toddler Car Seat Law
Rhode Island Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Rhode Island Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Child Booster Seat Laws in Rhode Island
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Rhode Island?
Leaving Child in Car Law in Rhode Island
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Rhode Island?
Taxi Car Seat Law in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Rhode Island
Good Car Seat Videos for Rhode Islander Parents
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Car Seat Law

According to the Rhode Island car seat law:


Any person transporting a child under the age of eight (8), less than fifty-seven inches (57”) in height and less than eighty pounds (80 lbs.), in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets or highways of this state, shall transport the child in any rear seating position of the motor vehicle properly restrained in a child restraint system approved by the United States Department of Transportation per R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22(a)(1).


A violation for transporting a child without in a child restraint system lands $80 find and requires an appearance in court.

Rhode Island Infant/Toddler Car Seat Law

All infants and toddlers who do not weigh more than 30 pounds and are under 12 months age, must travel in the rear-facing car seat or infant-only seats.

Rhode Island Rear-facing Car Seat Law

Toddlers who weigh less than 30 pounds and aren’t older than 2 years must travel in a rear-facing car seat.

Rhode Island Forward-facing Car Seat Law

All children who are at least 2 years of age and they have outgrown the rear-facing car seat should travel in the forward-facing car seat.

Child Booster Seat Laws in Rhode Island

Children who are under 8 years of age, shorter than 57” in height and less than 80 pounds in weight should be restrained in booster seats.

When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Rhode Island?

According to Rhode Island law, a child can’t sit in the front seat before the age of 8. A fine of $85 will be slapped for not following this law. However, this law is a minimum requirement and child safety experts recommend your child sit in the back seat until the age of 13.

Leaving Child in Car Law in Rhode Island

A bill has passed the Senate but hasn't made it to the law yet. However, it's still possible for get arrested for leaving children in a car on the basis of child neglect.

Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Rhode Island?

There are currently no laws in Rhode Island for smoking in a vehicle with a child. However, secondhand smoke cause 7,330 deaths and from lung cancer and 33,950 deaths from heart disease each year.

Taxi Car Seat Law in Rhode Island

It is not clear in the law if taxis are required to follow child restraint laws. It’s worth remembering laws are usually minimum requirements. Taxis are like any other vehicle and you should make sure of your child’s safety whenever you travel.

Rhode Island Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident

Rhode Island doesn’t have any law that deals with car seat replacement. You can follow NHTSA’s guidelines instead.

Places to Get Car Seat Help in Rhode Island

Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.

  • List of Rhode Island Car Seat Installation Locations
  • CPS Technician Search: Find a CPS Technician
  • NHTSA car seat inspection Center
  • Portsmouth Child Safety Seat
  • Westerly Child Seat Installations
  • North Kingstown Occupant Safety and Child Restraint Program
  • Smithfield Car Seat Installation Clinics
  • Cranston Police Department Child Passenger Safety call 401-477-5060 or 401-477-5033. Checks and installation available from Monday – Friday from 9-4.
  • Middletown Police Department Child Safety Seat Installation
  • West Warwick Child Restraint and Seat Belt Safety
  • Tiverton Police Department Child Safety Seat Installation
  • Central Falls Police Department Child Passenger Safety

Good Car Seat Videos for Rhode Islander Parents

The Michele and Brooke Ice Story

Car Seat save lives

It's time we all get it right

How to Install a Car Seat

How to secure your car seat

Installing a Car Seat Properly

Infant car seat installation

Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt

High-Back Booster Seat

Using a Backless Booster Seat

Is it time to move from a booster to a seat belt?

Counterfeit Car Seats

Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Rhode Island

  • State Police Car Seat Recommendations
  • Car Seat Safety Guidelines – Lifespan
  • Why Car Seats Matter
  • Booster Seat Guide
  • CDC Child Passenger Safety
  • Safe Kids Worldwide Ultimate car Seat guide
  • American Automobile Association Car Seat Guide
  • American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Recommendations
  • NHTSA Car Seat Recommendations
  • Top 5 Things to Do
Sam Webster

With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!

To contact me directly please click here.

Filed Under: Safety Resources

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Hey! I’m Sam, mom of Sadie and Xavier.

When I started searching for a convertible car seat I was overwhelmed by the choices out there.

But being a research nerd, I relished the challenge of finding the best seat for my needs. And in the process, I gathered a ton of info!

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