Rhode Island Car Seat Laws (2020): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

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

According to the law, children who are under 24 months old, shorter than 57 inches, and weigh less than 80 pounds must travel in the 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.

Rhode Island’s law doesn’t specify when your child can sit in the front seat. But it is a good idea to use the back seat for as long as possible. The AAP recommends that your child sit in the back seat until they are 13.

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.