Rhode Island Car Seat Laws (2023): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

As per the law, a child can sit in the front seat at any age if:

(i) The vehicle is not equipped with a back seat; or
(ii) All rear seating positions are being utilized by other children.

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.

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.

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