Child Safety Seat Laws in Hawaii

In Hawaii there is just as much of an emphasis on child safety restraints as in every other state in the nation. Laws in the islands require drivers to keep children of any age and themselves in proper seat belts or other restraints. When it comes to younger children and infants, the law specifically states the proper equipment that should be used at various times.

  1. Safety Seats

    • Hawaii requires safety seats for all children under the age of 4 who are passengers in a motor vehicle of any kind, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. Drivers must follow the safety seat installation instructions precisely to best protect the child in the event of an accident.

      Infants must be placed in rear-facing safety seats until they are 1 year old. Many seats are available that are "convertible" types that can switch from a rear-facing safety seat to a forward-facing seat easily.

    Boosters

    • Older children must ride in a booster seat in Hawaii until they turn 7, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.

      Booster seats help the vehicle's seat belts fit properly on the child. The law allows for an exception to this rule if the vehicle has only lap belts. Boosters are intended for cars with shoulder restraints; never use them with lap belts only.

    Height and Weight

    • While Hawaii law includes age restrictions on the use of safety and booster seats, there are also weight and height guidelines to help drivers decide which restraint is proper for the individual child.

      Children who grow to more than 4 feet 9 inches or exceed 80 pounds before the age of 7 should use the normal restraints built into the car. Infants over 20 pounds should switch from the rear-facing car seat into the forward-facing position.

    Penalties

    • Any traffic stop or incident in which a child is not properly restrained in Hawaii will result in a penalty for the driver. Those who violate passenger-safety laws must attend a four-hour class and are liable for fines ranging from $100 to $500 depending on prior offenses, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.

    Rear Seats

    • Although Hawaii law does not specifically require children to ride in a rear seat, the Hawaii Department of Transportation website does suggest that children in safety seats should not ride in the front seat.

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