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Washington State Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

January 15, 2021 by Sam Webster 1 Comment

Did you know that in 2017 there was a car crash on the roads of Washington every 4 minutes! The same Department of Transport report states that one person died in a car accident every 20 hours in 2017.

That’s why it’s so important to follow car seat laws. We’ve got that covered for you on this page – along with some other helpful resources to keep your little ones safe in your car:

source

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

Washington Car Seat Law

Section 46.61.687 of Washington state law says:

“Whenever a child who is less than sixteen years of age is being transported in a motor vehicle that is in operation and that is required by RCW 46.37.510 to be equipped with a safety belt system in a passenger seating position, or is being transported in a neighborhood electric vehicle or medium-speed electric vehicle that is in operation, the driver of the vehicle shall keep the child properly restrained”

Washington Rear-facing Car Seat Law

Washington laws say that children under the age of 2 shall travel in the rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing seats must be federally approved and placed in the back of the car seat.

Washington Forward-facing Car Seat Law

After the child has reached the weight and height limit of rear-facing car seats, they should be moved to the forward-facing car seat and will keep using it until they are comfortable in it and reach the height and weight limit.

Child Booster Seat Laws in Washington

When they are shorter than 4’9” and at least 8 years old, children are required to use booster seats. They can stop using the seat when the seat belt of the car fits them securely.

When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Washington?

Under the Washington law, all children under 13 are required to sit in the back seat.

Leaving Child in Car Law in Washington

Children under 16 can’t be left alone in a vehicle alone, according to Washington law.

Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Washington?

There are currently no laws in Washington regarding smoking with children in the car.

Taxi Car Seat Law in Washington

Washington law is not clear whether taxis are required to follow these laws.   

Washington Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident

almost every organization that deal with child safety recommend that you replace your car seat.

Places to Get Car Seat Help in Washington

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

  • Find a car seat checkup location nearest you
  • Seattle’s Children Car Seat Checks
  • Washington State Booster Seat Coalition Stations
  • CPS Technician Search: Find a CPS Technician
  • NHTSA car seat inspection Center
  • Safe Kids Washington Stations
  • District Department of Transportation Free Car Seat Inspection Stations
  • City of Bothell Car seat Inspections
  • Providence Health & Services Car Seat Safety Check
  • Snohomish County Child Car Seat Checkups by Appointment

Good Car Seat Videos for Washingtonian Parents

Car Seat Guidelines for Your Child

Washington updates car-seat law to boost child protection

The Michele and Brooke Ice Story

Car Seat save lives

Child Passenger Safety - 5 Step Test

The Inch Test

It's time we all get it right

Car Seat Safety

When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat

What to Do - Booster Seat PSA

Do I have to? - Booster Seat PSA

Counterfeit Car Seats

Safe Rides

Child Passenger Safety - Booster Seats

Child Passenger Safety - Harness Fit

Select the Right Car Seat

Children Should Ride in the Back Seat

Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Washington State

  • UW School of Medicine News Release
  • Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center
  • Seattle Children’s Passenger Safety
  • Kaiser Permanente health Comprehensive Guide 
  • Grant County Health District Child Passenger Safety
  • Why Car Seats Matter
  • Booster Seat Guide
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention Child Passenger Safety
  • Ultimate car Seat guide
  • American Automobile Association Car Seat Guide
  • American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Recommendations
  • NHTSA Car Seat Recommendations
  • Indiana University School of Medicine Best Practice Recommendations
  • ​Booster Seat Installation Checklist
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

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matthew Davis says

    November 14, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    How can I report kids not in car seats i have some neighbors how sometimes have 2 toddlers and a very young infant never in a car seat and sometimes baby on lap in front seat happens daily.

    Reply

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