Georgia Booster Seat Laws

In 2004, the state of Georgia changed the booster laws to better protect children. Many parents think their children no longer need a child safety seat after they outgrow a five-point harness car seat. Using just a seat belt for those under the age of 6 can be dangerous. Seat belts are made to fit adults, not children.

  1. Booster Law

    • The booster seat law in Georgia requires that a child be in a booster seat from age 4, or weighing 40 lbs., until they are age 6. Children under age 6 must also ride in the back seat of the car with a lap and shoulder belt to secure them. Seats should be used to manufacturer's instructions.

    Exceptions

    • If shoulder and lap belts are used on a booster seat to properly restrain another child in a back seat, then the child in a booster can sit in the position that contains only a lap belt. If there are no seats in the rear, such as a pickup, the child can sit in the front. If there is an air bag for the front passenger seat, disable it and push the seat back as far as it can go.

    Law Enforcement

    • In Georgia, a law enforcement officer can pull over a car and issue a citation if an offense is observed. Once pulled over, each violation can be up to $50 in fines and will count as one point per offense on your driver's license. In the case of another offense, the fine and the points can be doubled.

    Exemptions

    • There are a few situations that receive an exemption to the Georgia booster seat law. Children who are on school buses, taxi cabs or public transportation aren't required to be in booster seats. An exemption is issued if the parent has a doctor's note or release saying that the child has a specific condition that prevents her from being properly restrained.

    2. Previous:

    Next: