Washington
Washington Car Seat Laws (2026): Ages, Booster Height & Rules
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited September 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 20, 2026. · 4 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Washington requires a rear-facing car seat until age 2, a forward-facing harness seat after that, and a booster seat until a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall, under RCW 46.61.687. This page reflects the statute's text as of September 2026.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers car seat and child-restraint law in the state of Washington only. It does not address any other state. For other states, see the car seat laws hub.
| Stage | Who | Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Under 2 | Rear-facing restraint system until the seat's weight or height limit | RCW 46.61.687(1)(a) |
| Forward-facing harness | Under 4, if not already rear-facing | Forward-facing restraint system with a harness until the seat's weight or height limit | RCW 46.61.687(1)(b) |
| Booster | Under 4'9" tall, if not already secured under (a) or (b) | Booster seat, until vehicle belts fit properly (typically age 8-12) | RCW 46.61.687(1)(c) |
| Seat belt | Once belts fit properly, or where only a lap belt is available | Vehicle's safety belt | RCW 46.61.687(1)(c), (7) |
Birth through age 1: rear-facing
RCW 46.61.687(1)(a) requires a child under 2 to be secured rear-facing "until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer." The statute also expressly permits a child to keep riding rear-facing past age 2, up to the weight or height limit recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, so continuing rear-facing longer is allowed, even though it isn't required past the statutory age-2 floor.
Age 2 through 3: forward-facing harness
For a child who is under 4 and not already properly secured rear-facing under (a), subsection (1)(b) requires a forward-facing restraint system with a harness, again until the seat's own weight or height limit. As with the rear-facing stage, a child may continue in a forward-facing harness seat past age 4 if the family chooses, based on the AAP's recommendation referenced in the statute; it just is not required past that point.
The booster stage is a height rule, not an age rule
This is the detail worth getting right: Washington's booster requirement in subsection (1)(c) is not simply "once a child turns 4" or any other fixed age. It applies to a child who is not already properly secured under the rear-facing or forward-facing rules and who is under four feet nine inches tall. A tall 4-year-old and a small 9-year-old are treated differently under this rule, because the trigger is height, not age. The statute lets a child continue using a booster seat until the vehicle's own lap and shoulder belts fit properly, noting this is "typically" between ages 8 and 12, after which the vehicle's own safety belt is used instead. Subsection (7) adds one more exception: the booster requirement doesn't apply in any seating position where only a lap belt, and no shoulder belt, is available.
The back seat requirement for children under 13
Washington law requires that "the driver of a vehicle transporting a child who is under thirteen years old shall transport the child in the back seat positions in the vehicle where it is practical to do so," under RCW 46.61.687(1)(f). This makes back-seat placement a requirement, not a recommendation, though it carries the same "where it is practical to do so" qualifier found elsewhere in the statute.
Exemptions from Washington's car seat law
Before the exemptions, RCW 46.61.687(1) scopes the whole restraint scheme itself: it applies only to a child under 16 riding in a vehicle that RCW 46.37.510 requires to be equipped with a safety belt system, or in a neighborhood or medium-speed electric vehicle. Under RCW 46.37.510, a vehicle that is not required to carry safety belts falls outside RCW 46.61.687's restraint requirement.
RCW 46.61.687(5) exempts for-hire vehicles; vehicles designed to carry 16 or fewer passengers (including the driver) operated by auto transportation companies; customer shuttle vehicles running between parking, convention, and hotel facilities and airport terminals; and school buses.
Penalty for a car seat violation
A violation is charged as a traffic infraction. The statute text itself does not specify a dollar amount for the fine. The fine is set by Washington's general traffic infraction schedule rather than by this statute. What the statute does specify is a one-time dismissal option: a citation is dismissed if the driver presents proof of acquiring an approved child restraint or booster seat within 7 days of the citation, provided the driver has not previously had a violation of this section dismissed. The statute also states that "failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall not constitute negligence by a parent or legal guardian," meaning a violation of this law does not by itself establish civil negligence.
Leaving a child alone in a vehicle
Washington has a dedicated unattended-child statute, RCW 46.61.685. It is unlawful to park a vehicle, or willfully allow a vehicle to stand, on a public highway or in a public place with its motor running while a child under 16 is left unattended inside. A violation is a misdemeanor. A second or later conviction requires the Department of Licensing to revoke the person's driver's license.
Federal guidance vs. Washington law
The federal standard that governs car seats as products, FMVSS 213 (49 CFR 571.213), regulates what a manufacturer may sell, not how a parent must use the seat; Washington's own statute, described above, sets the use requirement, and it is unusual among states in that it explicitly references the American Academy of Pediatrics' rear-facing and forward-facing recommendations as the basis for the "may continue" language in subsections (1)(a) and (b). Separately, some vehicles allow a passenger-side airbag to be manually disabled for a front-seated rear-facing infant seat; that is manufacturer and NHTSA guidance about a rare configuration, not a requirement set by RCW 46.61.687 itself, and most vehicles have no user-accessible way to disable the airbag.
Related Washington traffic law pages
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about Washington's car seat law as of September 2026. It is not legal advice. Statutes, exemptions, and penalties change; verify the current text of the law before relying on it, and talk to a lawyer licensed in Washington about a specific situation.
Statutes cited reflect their in-force version as of 2026-09-17. Last updated: 2026-09-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Until what age does Washington require a booster seat?
Washington's booster rule is height-based, not age-based: a child must use a booster seat until reaching four feet nine inches tall, unless the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts already fit properly, which the statute notes is typically between ages 8 and 12, under RCW 46.61.687(1)(c).
Does Washington require a child to ride in the back seat?
Yes. RCW 46.61.687(1)(f) requires the driver to transport a child under 13 in the back seat positions where it is practical to do so. This is a real statutory requirement, not just a recommendation.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Washington?
The statute charges it as a traffic infraction but does not itself set a specific dollar amount; the fine comes from Washington's general infraction schedule. A first citation is dismissed if the driver shows proof of acquiring an approved restraint within 7 days and has no prior dismissal under this section.
What happens if you leave a young child alone in a car in Washington?
Under RCW 46.61.685, it's a misdemeanor to park or willfully leave a vehicle standing on a public highway or public place with the motor running while a child under 16 is left unattended inside. A second conviction requires mandatory license revocation.
Are taxis and rideshare vehicles exempt from Washington's car seat law?
For-hire vehicles are exempt under RCW 46.61.687(5)(a), along with certain shuttle and small auto-transportation-company vehicles and school buses.
Updates
Rebuilt from the current statute text after an independent review: restraint stages, exemptions, front-seat rules and penalties re-verified against the statute.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Restored the missing 'motor running' element of RCW 46.61.685: the unattended-child offense applies only when the vehicle is parked with its motor running on a public highway or in a public place, not to a parked, engine-off vehicle.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Revised Code of Washington
§ 46.61.687Child restraint system required—Conditions—Exceptions—Penalty for violation—Dismissal—Noncompliance not negligence—Immunity.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) Whenever a child who is less than sixteen years of age is being transported in a motor vehicle that is in operation and that is required by RCW 46.37.510 to be equipped with a safety belt system in a passenger seating position, or is being transported in a neighborhood electric vehicle or medium-speed electric vehicle that is in operation, the driver of the vehicle shall keep the child properly restrained as follows: (a) A child under the age of two years must be properly secured in a child restraint system that is rear-facing until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer. A child may continue to be properly secured in a child restraint system that is rear-facing until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer, as recommended by the American academy of pediatrics.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-16 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1997
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Patterson v. Horton (Court of Appeals of Washington 1997, 84 Wash. App. 531)“…ate safety restraints for children. See former RCW 46.61.687 4 (enacted by Laws of 1983…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Car Seat Laws by State 2026: Rear-Facing, Booster, Front Seat Rules
§ 46.61.685Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running—Penalty.In force
(1) It is unlawful for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to park or willfully allow such vehicle to stand upon a public highway or in a public place with its motor running, leaving a minor child or children under the age of sixteen years unattended in the vehicle. (2) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section, the department shall revoke the operator's license of such person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2005
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- City of Redmond v. Bagby (Washington Supreme Court 2005, 155 Wash. 2d 59)“…(RCW 46.61.527(5)); unattended child in a running vehicle (RCW 46.61.685(2)); minor in possession of alcohol; dr…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 46.37.510Seat belts and shoulder harnesses.In force
(1) No person may sell any automobile manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, nor may any owner cause such vehicle to be registered thereafter under the provisions of chapter 46.12 RCW unless such motor car or automobile is equipped with automobile seat belts installed for use on the front seats thereof which are of a type and installed in a manner conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol. Where registration is for transfer from an out-of-state license, the applicant shall be informed of this section by the issuing agent and has thirty days to comply. The state patrol shall adopt and enforce standards as to what constitutes adequate and safe seat belts and for the fastening and installation of them. Such standards shall not be below those specified as minimum requirements by the Society of Automotive Engineers on June 13, 1963. (2) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1965, shall be equipped with at least two lap-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at app.leg.wa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1977
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Amend v. Bell (Washington Supreme Court 1977, 89 Wash. 2d 124)“…ot mandated the use of seat belts as a standard of conduct. RCW 46.37.510 only requires installation of front sea…”
- Derheim v. N. Fiorito Co. (Washington Supreme Court 1972, 80 Wash. 2d 161)“…ed only in cars sold in this state manufactured after 1964. RCW 46.37.510. The problem of unequal treatment of ow…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Code of Federal Regulations Title 49
§ 571.213Child restraint systems; Applicable unless a vehicle or child restraint system is certified to § 571.213b.In forcecited in 51 of our articles
S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for child restraint systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft. S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number of children killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes and in aircraft. S3. Application. This standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, and to child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles and aircraft, manufactured before December 5, 2026. FMVSS No. 213b applies to child restraint systems manufactured on or after December 5, 2026. S4. Definitions. Add-on child restraint system means any portable child restraint system. Backless child restraint system means a child restraint, other than a belt-positioning seat, that consists of a seating platform that does not extend up to provide a cushion for the child's back or head and has a structural element designed to restrain forward motion of the child's torso in a forward impact.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ecfr.gov
Cited in 16 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Welsh Ex Rel. Welsh v. Century Products, Inc. (District Court, D. Maryland 1990, 745 F. Supp. 313)“…afety Act”) and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, 49 C.F.R. § 571.213 (1989) (“FMVSS 213”). In particular, C…”
- Hendrix Ex Rel. Gp v. Evenflo Co., Inc. (Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 2010, 609 F.3d 1183)“…meets the requirements imposed by federal regulations. See 49 C.F.R. § 571.213. When used properly, the base is positio…”
- Hendrix v. Evenflo Co. (District Court, N.D. Florida 2009, 255 F.R.D. 568)“…ance requirements and a testing procedure for CRS modules. 49 C.F.R. § 571.213 . Van Arsdell’s mechanical engineering…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama Car Seat Laws (2026): Ages, Stages & Penalties, Alaska Car Seat Laws (2026): 5 Stages & Penalties, Arizona Car Seat Laws (2026): Booster Age & Penalty Rules
Sources and References
- RCW 46.61.687, Child restraint systems required(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.61.685, Unattended vehicle, motor running, child under sixteen years, penalty(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.37.510, Seat belts required(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- 49 CFR § 571.213, FMVSS No. 213, Child restraint systems(ecfr.gov).gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Car Safety Seats: Information for Families(healthychildren.org)