Seat Belts and Car Seats
RSA 265:107-a — belts for everyone under 18, a child seat under 7, rear facing under 2
| Who | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| WhoA passenger under 18 | What the law requiresA seat belt, properly adjusted and fastened |
| WhoA driver under 18 | What the law requiresA seat belt, properly adjusted and fastened |
| WhoA passenger under 7 | What the law requiresA child restraint system |
| WhoA passenger under 2 | What the law requiresA rear facing child restraint system |
Who handles this in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Hampshire directory.
The duty is the driver's. A first offense is a violation with a $50 fine, and a later one $100.
A violation may not be used as evidence of contributory negligence in a civil case. Vehicles regularly used to carry passengers for hire, and school buses, are outside the rule.
Sources for this section (1)
- RSA 265:107-a — Child Passenger Restraints Required
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Hampshire attorney.