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What Are the Missouri Child Car Seat Laws?

On behalf of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

January 24, 2025

What Are the Missouri Child Car Seat Laws?

Every year, car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among children in the United States. In 2021 alone, 1184 children aged 14 and under died in motor vehicle crashes. Alarmingly, 40% of those children were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Here in Missouri, child car seat laws are designed to reduce these tragic outcomes by ensuring young passengers are secured properly.
But what exactly do Missouri’s car seat laws require? Are you confident you’re meeting the legal standards every time you hit the road? Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver, understanding these regulations is critical for your child’s safety. Beyond avoiding penalties, compliance with child safety seat laws could save your child’s life. Let’s break down what you need to know, step by step.

Missouri Car Seat Laws: A Breakdown
Missouri law specifies different types of restraints based on your child’s age, weight, and height. This approach ensures children are protected in a way that best suits their developmental needs. Below is a detailed overview:

1.Infants (Birth to 1 Year or Under 20 Pounds):
   Law: Infants must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
   Why: Rear-facing seats are the safest for young children as they provide critical support to the head, neck, and spine in a collision.
2.Toddlers and Young Children (1 to 4 Years Old or 20-40 Pounds):
   Law: Forward-facing car seats with a harness are required.
   Why: These seats restrain the child securely and distribute crash forces across strong body areas like the shoulders and chest.
3.Children 4 to 7 Years Old (Under 80 Pounds or Shorter Than 4’9”):
   Law: A booster seat is mandatory.
   Why: Booster seats help position the seat belt correctly over a child’s chest and hips, minimizing injury risk during impact.
4.Children 8 Years and Older (Over 80 Pounds or Taller Than 4’9”):
   Law: A seat belt can be used if it fits properly.
   Fit: The lap belt must lie across the upper thighs—not the stomach—and the shoulder belt must cross the shoulder and chest.


Exceptions to the Rules
While Missouri’s child car seat laws are strict, there are specific exceptions:
  • If all seat belts are in use, children can ride without the required restraint but must wear a seat belt.
  • Buses and public transportation vehicles are exempt from car seat laws.
    It’s important to note that while these exceptions may be legal, they are not necessarily safe. Whenever possible, prioritize using the appropriate restraint system for your child, regardless of the circumstances.

Why Compliance Matters
Child safety seats are proven to save lives. The CDC states that properly used car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71-82% for children under the age of 4 and by 45% for children aged 4 to 8. Despite these statistics, non-compliance remains an issue.
In 2021, the usage rate of child safety seats in Missouri was 91%. 
Additionally, from 2017-2021, there were 74 children age 7 or younger killed in Missouri traffic crashes. Twenty-four percent of these children were not properly restrained in a child safety seat. 

Penalties for Violating Missouri Car Seat Laws
Failing to comply with Missouri’s car seat regulations comes with consequences, including:
  • Fines: Violating Missouri's child restraint or booster seat laws can result in a fine of up to $50 for a first offense, plus court costs.
          For violations involving children taller than 4'9" or weighing 80 pounds or more, the fine is reduced to $10.
  • Court Costs: These can vary by jurisdiction.


The court will dismiss the ticket if the driver shows proof of obtaining and installing an appropriate child safety seat.
However, the real penalty is the potential harm to your child. No fine or legal consequence compares to the danger of an improperly restrained child in a collision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even parents with the best intentions can make errors when installing or using car seats. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
  1. Incorrect Installation: Many car seats are not installed tightly enough. Always check that the seat doesn’t move more than one inch in any direction when secured.
  2. Using the Wrong Seat for the Child’s Size: Each seat has specific weight and height limits. Using the wrong size seat compromises safety.
  3. Skipping the Booster Seat Too Early: Many parents transition their child to a seat belt too soon. Booster seats ensure the seat belt fits properly, which is crucial for safety.
  4. Placing the Seat in the Front: Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat. Airbags can cause serious injuries to young children.
  5. Using Expired or Secondhand Seats: Car seats expire, and used seats may have hidden damage or lack up-to-date safety features.

How to Choose the Right Car Seat
Selecting the right car seat involves considering your child’s age, weight, height, and the car seat’s safety ratings. To simplify the process:
  • Infant Seats: For newborns and infants, rear-facing seats with a five-point harness are ideal.
  • Convertible Seats: These transition from rear-facing to forward-facing, accommodating growing toddlers.
  • Booster Seats: Designed for older children who have outgrown forward-facing seats but still need seat belt adjustments.

Installation Tips for Maximum Safety
Installing a car seat correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper installation:
  1. Use the LATCH System: Most modern vehicles have a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system that simplifies car seat installation.
  2. Consult the Manual: Both the car seat and vehicle manuals provide essential instructions.
  3. Seek Expert Help: Fire stations, hospitals, and local safety organizations often offer free car seat inspections.

What About After a Car Accident?
If your car seat has been in a crash, replace it—even if there are no visible signs of damage. Safety standards recommend this because crash forces can compromise the seat’s structure.

Why Work With Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer?
Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If your child has been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers and compensation. At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we have experience in personal injury cases, including those involving children.
Our attorneys understand the emotional and financial challenges families face after an accident. We have a proven track record of helping Missouri families secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. You don’t have to face this alone.

Contact Us Today
Your child’s safety is non-negotiable, and we’re here to support you in protecting them. If you have questions about Missouri car seat laws, need advice after an accident, or want to explore your legal options, contact Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer.
Schedule a free consultation today and let us guide you through the legal process with care and experience.
By following Missouri’s child car seat laws and taking additional steps to prioritize safety, you can protect your child on the road. For everything else, trust Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer to have your back.

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