According to the Idaho State Law, children age 6 or younger should ride in a child restraint in accordance with the federal motor vehicle safety regulations.
What is the Car Seat Law in Idaho?
Idaho Legislature 49-672. (1) Laws on Passenger Safety for Children reads “No noncommercial motor vehicle operator shall transport a child who is six (6) years of age or younger in a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts after January 1, 1966, unless the child is properly secured in a child safety restraint that meets the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 213.”
Minnesota State Legulations
Rear-Facing
Idaho Rear-facing Car Seat Laws
Forward-Facing
Idaho Forward facing Car Seat Rules
Booster
Idaho Booster Seat Laws
Front Seat Laws
When can child sit in front seat Idaho
Car Seats List
Best car seat to meet Idaho laws
US Car Seat Laws
Seat Laws across the United States
Idaho Car Seat Laws Rear-Facing
The Idaho law does not say much on a rear-facing car seat.
According to the rules of the Idaho Transportation Department, infants and toddlers under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Idaho Forward Facing Car Seat Laws
The Idaho law requires children younger than six years old to use a child restraint system.
No more specific requirements on age, weight, or height on a forward-facing car seat.
However, the Idaho Transportation Department suggests that children should travel in a forward-facing car seat after the age of 2 and between 40 to 60 pounds until they reach the upper height or weight limit set by the seat manufacturer.
Most forward-facing car seats on the market come with a weight limit of 65 pounds and a height limit of 49 inches, allowing your child to stay facing forward around age 5-7.
What is The Law for Booster Seats in Idaho?
Idaho law doesn’t mention the use of a booster seat for a child.
But referring to the regulations stated by Idaho Transportation Department, children from 4 to 8 years of age and under 4 feet 9 inches must travel in a booster seat.
The booster seat can be backless or high back, but it should not be installed in lap-belt-only seating positions.
Seat Belt Laws for Child in Idaho
Once a child outgrows the booster seat, according to the Idaho Transportation Department rules, they should use a seat belt when they are at least 8 years of age and more than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Penalty for Breaking Car Seat Laws in Idaho
Violators who do not follow the law to secure a child correctly in a restraint system will receive a fine of $80.
Idaho Car Seat Laws Apply for
The driver is responsible for the child’s safety in the car.
Exceptions
Commercial vehicles including taxis, and the below rules:
(a) If all of the motor vehicle’s seat belts are in use, in this case, the child shall be placed in the rear seat; or
(b) For physical other immediate physiological needs.
When can a child sit in the front seat in Idaho?
In Idaho law, there is no age limit for traveling in the front seat.
According to the Idaho Transportation Department and children safety experts’ recommendations, a child can sit in the front seat when they’re at least 13 years old.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Idaho
Taxis are exempt from Idaho law. It’s the parents’ responsibility to make sure the child’s safe in a taxicab.
Age, Weight, Height Requirements in Idaho Law
The Idaho law does not say much about the age, weight, or height requirements on the child and the car seat.
It just requires that a child age 6 years old or younger should be secured in a child safety restraint that meets the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards no.213.
However, the Idaho Transportation Department suggests more details on age, weight, and height requirements.
Rear-facing (stage 1): To 2 years of age
Forward-facing (stage 2): Approx. 4 years and 40-65 pounds
Booster (stage 3): Approx. 4 to at least 8 years of age, or 4’9″ or taller
Seat belt (stage 4):
Age 8 or older and at least 4’9″
Further Information
What you Need to Know – Four Car Seat Stages
Best Car Seats to Work with Idaho Laws
Based on the Idaho child car seat laws, here are the best car seats that will ride your boys or girls safely without breaking the rules.
To help parents quickly find the best option based on your child’s current age, this list is made by age.
Newborn - 2 Years Old
Rear-facing car seats
Birth - 4 Years Old
Convertible car seats for use
4-8 Years Old
Booster seats for use
With Special Functions
Car seats with Unique Features
Birth - 2 Years
30-lb rear-facing maximum weight
35-lb rear-facing maximum weight
Further Information
40-lb rear-facing maximum weight
50-lb rear-facing maximum weight
Further Information
Birth - 4 Years
65-lb forward-facing maximum weight
49-inch forward-facing maximum height
Further Information
Further Information
4-8 Years
100-lb booster maximum weight
120-lb booster maximum weight
57-in booster maximum height
63-in booster maximum height
Further Information
Further Information
- Best to Fit 3 Across – Diono Radian 3R
- Best with backless booster – Graco 4Ever DLX

The Diono Cambria 2 XL combines a highback and backless booster into one. It provides spacious room for growing big kids.
Diono Cambria 2 XL
- Weight Range: 40-120 lb.
- Height Limit: 63 in.
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Type: Booster
- Stage: 3rd
- Suitable for: 4-10 years old
The Good
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Up to 63-inch height limit
- XL size for roomy space
- Two modes for booster
- 8 years of lifespan
The Bad
- Can’t be installed on airplane
- Not fit 3 across
Car Seats with Unique Functions
For Travel
- Doona infant car seat stroller (with wheels)
- Evenfloy Shyft DualRide (wheeled car seat stroller combo)
Further Information
Slim Fit to Do 3 Across
- Diono Radian 3R and Radian series (17″)
- Evenflo Revolve360 Slim (16.75″)
Car seat with 5-point harness
- Britax One4Life (120 lbs/ 63”)
Further Information
Further Information
Resources
- Idaho Transportation Department Highway Safety
- Idaho Legislature Rules of the Roads on Child Restraint System