The Car Seat Rules
Wis. Stat. 347.48 — rear facing under one, a booster from 4, a restraint until 8
In Wisconsin, a child under the age of 8 rides in a restraint suited to the child's age and size, in steps the statute sets by age, weight and height.
- Less than one year old or less than 20 pounds: a rear-facing child safety restraint system, in a back seat if the vehicle has one.
- At least one year and 20 pounds, but under 4 years or under 40 pounds: rear facing, or a forward-facing system, in a back seat if there is one.
- At least 4 but under 8 years, 40 to 80 pounds, and not more than 57 inches tall: a forward-facing system or a child booster seat.
- Otherwise under 8: one of those, or a safety belt properly fitted across the lap and the center of the chest.
Where it does not apply. The rule does not apply in a motor bus, school bus, taxicab, moped or motorcycle, or a vehicle not required to have safety belts, and the department may exempt a child who cannot be placed in a restraint because of a physical or medical condition or body size.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA child moves to a regular seat belt at 4 | What the law actually doesUnder 8, a child rides in a restraint suited to age and size, with a booster from 4 within the weight and height limits |
| The assumptionAn infant seat can go in the front | What the law actually doesLess than one year or less than 20 pounds rides rear facing in a back seat if the vehicle has one |
Seat belts for older passengers, airbags and exemptions set by rule are not all on this page. What a particular situation carries is a question for a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Wis. Stat. 347.48 — Safety belts and child safety restraint systems
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.