Requirements guide
Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.
Read requirementsState law page
Under 4 yrs or under 40 lbs in child safety seat | 4-7 yrs and 40-80 lbs and 4'9" or shorter in child safety seat or booster seat | At least 80 lbs or taller than 4'9" in booster seat or safety belt
| Field | Missouri snapshot |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | Under 4 yrs or under 40 lbs in child safety seat | 4-7 yrs and 40-80 lbs and 4'9" or shorter in child safety seat or booster seat | At least 80 lbs or taller than 4'9" in booster seat or safety belt |
| Height requirement | See child-restraint rule; includes height language where listed. |
| Weight requirement | See child-restraint rule; includes weight language where listed. |
| Fine / penalty | Verify fine with state source; GHSA notes first-offense fines vary by state. |
| Last checked | GHSA reviewed by SHSOs June 2025; extracted 2026-07-23 |
| Verification level | Index source; official state verification pending |
| Child restraint required | Under 4 yrs or under 40 lbs in child safety seat | 4-7 yrs and 40-80 lbs and 4'9" or shorter in child safety seat or booster seat | At least 80 lbs or taller than 4'9" in booster seat or safety belt |
| Adult safety belt permissible | At least 8 yrs and 80 lbs or taller than 4'9" |
| Verification level | Index source; official state verification pending |
Sources
Index source: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/child-passengers
Statute/source text: GHSA child passenger law summary; Safe Kids state law tracker cross-check
Even when Missouri law allows a seat belt, NHTSA, CDC, and AAP guidance may still recommend a booster until the vehicle belt fits properly.
Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.
Read requirementsSee when children typically start and stop using boosters.
Read age guideKnow when to move from harnessed seat to booster.
Read transition guide