After a decade of testing car seats and studying state laws, I can say Vermont has one of the most comprehensive child restraint laws in the country — it’s one of the few states that specifically requires rear-facing seats until age 2 and mandates the back seat for children under 13.
Vermont recorded 59 traffic fatalities in 2024, with 65% of fatal crashes in 2023 involving alcohol or drug impairment. In a small state where every loss hits close to home, proper child restraint use is one of the simplest ways to protect your family.
This guide covers every stage of Vermont’s child passenger safety law under 23 V.S.A. § 1258, from rear-facing seats through the seat belt transition.
View our lists of free car seat programs by type:
Vermont car seat laws by age
Rear-facing car seats: Vermont law specifically requires children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing child restraint system with a harness. This makes Vermont one of the few states with an explicit rear-facing age requirement written into law — not just a recommendation. The seat must be federally approved.
Forward-facing car seats: Children ages 2 through 4 must be properly secured in either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness. Vermont gives parents flexibility here — if your child still fits safely in their rear-facing seat at age 2 or 3, the law supports keeping them rear-facing longer, which safety experts recommend.
Booster seats: Children under 8 years old who have outgrown their harnessed car seat must ride in a booster seat. The booster ensures the vehicle’s seat belt crosses the child’s chest and lap properly rather than riding up on the neck or across the stomach.
Seat belt: Children ages 8 through 17 who are not in a car seat or booster must wear a seat belt. Vermont’s seat belt law covers all passengers.
Back seat requirement: Vermont law requires children under 13 to ride in the back seat when practical. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation — one of the stronger back-seat provisions in the country.
Airbag restriction: Vermont law specifically prohibits placing a child in a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag.
For help choosing the right seat for your child’s current size, check out our best-rated convertible car seats guide.
Fines and enforcement
Vermont uses an escalating fine structure for child restraint violations:
- First offense: $25 fine
- Second offense: $50 fine
- Third and subsequent offenses: $100 fine
Vermont has primary enforcement for child restraint violations, meaning law enforcement can stop you specifically for an unrestrained child without needing another traffic violation.
The escalating fine structure means repeat offenders face increasingly steep penalties, providing strong incentive to stay in compliance.
Special situations
Taxis and rideshares: Vermont’s child restraint law applies to all motor vehicles. When using a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, parents are responsible for providing proper child restraints. A portable travel car seat can make rideshare trips easier.
Vehicles without back seats: The back-seat requirement for children under 13 applies “when practical.” If your vehicle has no back seat, children may ride in the front with appropriate restraints, but never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.
Leaving a child unattended: Vermont law prohibits leaving a child unattended in a vehicle if doing so creates a risk to the child’s health or safety.
Crash replacement: Any car seat involved in a moderate-to-severe crash should be replaced immediately, even without visible damage. Most manufacturers offer free crash replacement programs. Check your insurance policy as well — many cover the cost. See our guide on what to do with old car seats for more details.
What to do if you get a ticket
If you receive a child restraint citation in Vermont, here’s your action plan:
1. Correct the violation immediately. Make sure your child is in the proper restraint for their age and size. With fines doubling on the second offense and quadrupling by the third, staying compliant saves money and protects your child.
2. Get a free or low-cost car seat. Vermont offers car seat assistance through local health departments, hospitals, and community organizations. Visit our free car seats in Vermont page for a complete list of programs.
3. Get your installation checked. Even the right seat won’t protect your child if it’s installed incorrectly. Find a certified technician near you through the NHTSA car seat inspection locator to verify proper installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my child stop using a car seat in Vermont?
Vermont requires a harnessed car seat until at least age 5 (rear-facing until 2, then forward-facing until the child outgrows it). After that, children must use a booster seat until age 8, then transition to a seat belt through age 17.
Does Vermont require rear-facing car seats?
Yes. Vermont is one of the few states that specifically requires children under 2 to ride in a rear-facing car seat with a harness. See our car seat safety basics for more on rear-facing safety.
Does Vermont require children to ride in the back seat?
Yes. Children under 13 must ride in the back seat when practical. This is a legal requirement in Vermont, not just a recommendation.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Vermont?
The fine starts at $25 for a first offense, increases to $50 for a second offense, and $100 for a third or subsequent offense.
Are car seats required in Uber or Lyft in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont’s child restraint law applies to all motor vehicles, including rideshares. Parents must provide their own car seat. Check our safest car seat brands for portable options.
Can my child ride in the front seat in Vermont?
Children under 13 should ride in the back seat when practical under Vermont law. A child may ride in front only when the vehicle has no back seat or when it’s not practical for the child to ride in back.
