The Car Seat Rules
La. R.S. 32:295 — rear facing under 2, a booster from 4, the back seat under 13
| Child | Restraint |
|---|---|
| ChildYounger than 2 years | RestraintRear facing seat, to the seat's weight or height limit |
| Child2 years and older, outgrown rear facing | RestraintForward facing seat with an internal harness |
| Child4 years and older, outgrown the harness | RestraintBooster seat with a lap and shoulder belt |
| Child9 years and older, or outgrown the booster | RestraintThe adult belt, fitted correctly |
| ChildYounger than 13 years | RestraintThe rear seat, when available |
A child who fits more than one category goes in the more protective one. With an active passenger air bag, a child younger than 6 or under 60 pounds rides in the back if there is a back seat.
Leaving a child unrestrained is a primary offense; using the wrong kind of restraint for an otherwise restrained child is secondary, cited only after a stop for a moving violation. The fine is $100 for a first offense and $250 to $500 for a second.
Sources for this section (1)
- La. R.S. 32:295 — Child passenger restraint system
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.