Car Seat Laws in Idaho (2024) -Rules to Secure A Child Properly

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

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