Editor’s note: This article was updated in 2022 to link to a more appropriate section of the relevant statute.
According to Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law, a child under one year old or weighing less than twenty pounds must be properly restrained in a rear-facing position and properly secured in a federally approved child passenger restraining system which is not installed in front of an active air bag when being transported in a motor vehicle on public highways.
A child between one and seven years old and weighing at least twenty pounds must be properly restrained in a federally approved child passenger restraining system (such as an infant car seat or convertible car seat) when being transported in a motor vehicle on public highways. A child between eight and seventeen years old must be properly restrained in a federally approved child passenger restraining system or a federally approved safety belt system when being transported in or operating a motor vehicle on public highways.
Babies and Children Up to One Year Old or Less Than Twenty Pounds
A child under one year old or weighing less than twenty pounds must be properly restrained in a rear-facing position and must be properly secured in a federally approved child passenger restraining system which is not installed in front of an active air bag when being transported in a motor vehicle on Vermont’s public highways.
Children One to Seven Years Old and At Least Twenty Pounds
A child between one and seven years old and weighing at least twenty pounds must be properly restrained in a federally approved child passenger restraining system when being transported in a motor vehicle on Vermont’s public highways.
Children Eight to Seventeen Years Old
A child between eight and seventeen years old must be properly restrained in a federally approved child passenger restraining system or a federally approved safety belt system when being transported in or operating a motor vehicle on Vermont’s public highways.
Penalties for Violations
You may be fined $25.00 for a first violation of Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law. You may be fined $50.00 for a second violation of Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law. You may be fined $100.00 for a third or subsequent violation of Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law.
Exemptions
Your child may be exempt from Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law if he or she is being transported in a type I school bus.
Your child may be exempt from Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law if he or she is being transported in or operating a motor vehicle which is regularly used to transport passengers for hire, except for a motor vehicle owned or operated by a child care facility.
Your child may be exempt from Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law if he or she is being transported in or operating a motor vehicle which was manufactured without safety belts.
Your child may be exempt from Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law if he or she has been ordered by, or is being transported by a person who has been ordered by, an enforcement officer, a firefighter, or an authorized civil authority to evacuate persons from a stricken area.
FAQ
What is Vermont car seat law for rear-facing car seats?
Young children in Vermont under a year old who weigh less than 20 pounds must be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system.
What are Vermont’s booster seat requirements?
Children over one year of age and under seven years of age who weigh more than 20 pounds should be restrained in a child restraint system. Vermont law does not specify when a child can ride in a booster seat. Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight when securing your child in a child restraint passenger system.
How much do you have to weigh to sit in the front seat in Vermont?
Vermont’s Child Restraint Systems Law does not specify a weight limit for sitting in the front seat. Children between eight and seventeen must be secured by a child restraint system or a seat belt. Follow federal guidelines when securing your child in a child restraint system or seat belt system.
* Ms. Blake is licensed in the state of Maryland. The information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
