Rhode Island may be one tiny state, but just like the rest of the U.S. states, it has car seat laws that need to be followed.  What’s so important about knowing your state’s car seat laws?  Well, not only can it help keep your child safe during everyday driving, but it can also keep you out of trouble with the law, allow you to avoid fines, and it can also allow you to avoid getting traffic violations put on your record.

Every state varies with their car seats, that is why it’s so important to know the actual laws of the state you live in.  So, if you live in the state of Rhode Island, here are the laws you need to follow.

Rhode Island Car Seat Laws:

• If your child is 7 years or younger, is less than 57″ tall, and weighs less than 80 lbs, they must remain in a car seat.
• Children must also wear an adult safety through the ages of 8-17.
• Also, if your child is 7 years or younger, they must be seated in the back seat of the car. 
• Failure to follow these laws can result in a fine up to $75 for the first offense.

NOTES:

• It’s always a good idea to keep your baby rear-facing for as long as possible.  It is said that they should not be turned forward-facing until they’ve reached both one year of age, and 20 lbs.
• Never buy a car seat that was previously used.  Since things like recalls, accidents and expiration dates are an important role in car seats, it should never even be considered.
• Once your child has reached the weight and height limits, it is crucial that you upgrade their seat.

This is just a brief summary of Rhode Island’s car seat laws.  Keep in mind that they may change overtime, therefore it is important that you check them frequently so that you’re familiar with them.