Child Booster Seat Requirements in Pennsylvania

Child restraint laws are strictly enforced in an effort to reduce the injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, booster seats reduce the risk of injury by 59 percent. The driver is responsible for ensuring children are secure in the proper restraint system.

  1. Children Under 4

    • As per the Child Passenger Protection Act 229, toddlers between ages 1 and 4 cannot ride in a booster seat. Children this age and up to 40 pounds must be buckled into a child safety seat that has been secured with the vehicle's seat belt system or latch system.

    Ages 4 to 8

    • Under Pennsylvania law, children between 4 and 8 who weigh at least 40 pounds are required to be buckled into a booster seat. The booster seat must be federally approved and secured with the vehicle's lap and shoulder straps. Booster seats can be used in the front or the rear seats, though it is recommended that children this age ride in the rear seat to avoid injury from a deployed air bag.

    Over Age 8

    • Children over 8 may ride in the front or rear of the car and must be buckled with a seat belt. Although not a law, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends children up to age 12 ride in the rear seats.

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