After years of reviewing car seat safety data, Wyoming’s wide-open highways and high speed limits make child passenger safety especially important here. With speed as a factor in 44% of fatal crashes and 40% of out-of-state drivers involved in serious wrecks, making sure your child is properly restrained on Wyoming roads is essential.
Wyoming recorded 76 fatal crashes in 2024, with driver inattention and fatigue contributing to over 30% of fatalities each. On a state with some of the longest stretches of rural highway in the country, a properly installed car seat can make all the difference.
This guide covers every requirement of Wyoming’s child passenger safety law under Wyoming Statute § 31-5-1303, from rear-facing seats through the booster seat transition.
View our lists of free car seat programs by type:
Wyoming car seat laws by age
Rear-facing car seats: Wyoming law requires that child safety restraint systems be installed in the rear seat when available, and that rear-facing seats must not be placed in front of an active airbag. While the state doesn’t set a specific rear-facing age requirement, NHTSA and the AAP recommend keeping children rear-facing until at least age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits of their rear-facing seat.
Forward-facing car seats: Wyoming requires all children under 9 years old to be properly secured in a child safety restraint system. For younger children who have outgrown their rear-facing seat, a forward-facing harnessed car seat provides the best protection. Keep your child in the harness system as long as they fit within the seat’s height and weight limits.
Booster seats: Under Wyoming Statute § 31-5-1303, children under 9 who have outgrown their harnessed car seat must use a booster seat unless the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts fit properly across the child’s collarbone, chest, and hips without posing a danger to the neck, face, or abdomen. In practice, most children need a booster until they are around 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Seat belt: Once a child turns 9, they must wear a seat belt. Wyoming’s seat belt law applies to all front-seat occupants. Children who are 9 but not yet 4’9″ tall may still benefit from a booster seat even though it’s no longer legally required.
Back seat requirement: Wyoming law requires child safety restraint systems to be installed in the rear seat when the vehicle has one. This is a legal requirement for children in car seats and boosters.
For help choosing the right seat for your child’s current size, check out our best-rated convertible car seats guide.
Fines and enforcement
Wyoming treats child restraint violations as follows:
The fine for a car seat violation is $50 plus court costs.
Fine waiver: The court will waive the fine if the driver shows proof of acquiring an appropriate child safety restraint system. This encourages compliance rather than punishment.
Wyoming has primary enforcement for child restraint violations, meaning law enforcement can stop you specifically for an unrestrained child without needing another traffic violation.
Special situations
Taxis and rideshares: Wyoming’s child restraint law applies to all motor vehicles. Parents using taxis or rideshare services are responsible for providing proper child restraints. There is no exemption for hired vehicles.
Vehicles without back seats: The rear-seat installation requirement applies when the vehicle is equipped with a rear seat. If your vehicle has no back seat (such as a single-cab truck), children may ride in front with appropriate restraints. Never use a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.
Out-of-state travelers: With approximately 40% of serious crashes involving out-of-state drivers, visitors to Wyoming should be aware that the state’s child restraint law applies to all vehicles on Wyoming roads, regardless of where the vehicle is registered.
Crash replacement: Replace any car seat involved in a moderate-to-severe crash, even without visible damage. Many manufacturers offer free crash replacements, and insurance policies often cover the cost. See our guide on what to do with old car seats.
What to do if you get a ticket
If you receive a child restraint citation in Wyoming, here’s your action plan:
1. Purchase a compliant car seat to waive the fine. Wyoming law allows the court to waive the $50 fine if you show proof of acquiring an appropriate child safety restraint. This is the simplest path to resolving the citation.
2. Get a free or low-cost car seat. Wyoming has car seat distribution programs through local health departments and community organizations. Visit our free car seats in Wyoming page for a complete list of resources.
3. Get your installation checked. Find a certified car seat technician near you through the NHTSA car seat inspection locator to verify your seat is properly installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my child stop using a car seat in Wyoming?
Wyoming requires child safety restraints for all children under 9 years old. After age 9, children must use a seat belt. Safety experts recommend continuing with a booster until the child is at least 4’9″ tall.
Does Wyoming require rear-facing car seats?
Wyoming doesn’t specify a rear-facing age requirement, but the law requires car seats to be installed in the rear seat and prohibits rear-facing seats in front of active airbags. NHTSA recommends rear-facing until at least age 2. See our car seat safety basics for more guidance.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Wyoming?
The fine is $50 plus court costs. However, the fine can be waived if you show proof of purchasing an appropriate car seat.
Does Wyoming require a booster seat?
Wyoming requires children under 9 to be in a child safety restraint, which includes booster seats. Children can use just a seat belt if the lap and shoulder belts fit properly across the collarbone, chest, and hips.
Are car seats required in Uber or Lyft in Wyoming?
Yes. Wyoming’s child restraint law applies to all motor vehicles with no rideshare exemption. Parents must provide their own car seat. Check our safest car seat brands for portable options.
Do out-of-state visitors need to follow Wyoming’s car seat law?
Yes. Wyoming’s child restraint law applies to all vehicles on Wyoming roads regardless of where the vehicle is registered. With 40% of serious crashes involving out-of-state drivers, proper restraint use is essential for visitors.
