Seat Belts And Car Seats
75 Pa.C.S. 4581 — car seats under 4, boosters under 8, belts under 18 and in front
| Who | The rule |
|---|---|
| WhoA child under two | The ruleA rear facing child restraint, until the child outgrows the maker's weight and height limits |
| WhoA child under four | The ruleA child passenger restraint system, anywhere in the vehicle |
| WhoA child four or older but under eight | The ruleA fastened seat belt and an appropriately fitting booster seat |
| WhoA driver under 18, and every occupant eight or older but under 18 | The ruleA properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, which the driver secures |
| WhoEvery other driver and front seat occupant | The ruleA properly adjusted and fastened seat belt |
An adult front seat belt violation is charged only with another violation. Failing to use a car seat or booster is a summary offense with a fine of $75, dismissed if the person shows the court they have since acquired one. A seat belt violation is a summary offense with a fine of $10, and an adult driver or front seat occupant is not convicted of one unless also convicted of another Vehicle Code violation at the same time.
A violation may not be used as evidence in a civil trial or treated as contributory negligence, and it is not a moving violation.
Sources for this section (1)
- 75 Pa.C.S. 4581 — Restraint systems
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.