BSGBoosterSeatGuide

State law page

North Carolina Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

7 yrs or under and under 80 lbs must be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child restraint | Under 5 and less than 40 lbs must be in the back seat (some exceptions apply)

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FieldNorth Carolina snapshot
Age requirement7 yrs or under and under 80 lbs must be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child restraint | Under 5 and less than 40 lbs must be in the back seat (some exceptions apply)
Height requirementNo height threshold listed in GHSA summary.
Weight requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes weight language where listed.
Fine / penaltyVerify fine with state source; GHSA notes first-offense fines vary by state.
Last checkedGHSA reviewed by SHSOs June 2025; extracted 2026-07-23
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending
Child restraint required7 yrs or under and under 80 lbs must be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child restraint | Under 5 and less than 40 lbs must be in the back seat (some exceptions apply)
Adult safety belt permissible8 and older or 80 or more lbs may be properly secured with an adult seat belt | If no lap & shoulder belt is available for booster-age children, children at least 40 lbs may use a lap belt only (no child restraint).
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending

Sources

Law and source links

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

Safety guidance

Even when North Carolina law allows a seat belt, NHTSA, CDC, and AAP guidance may still recommend a booster until the vehicle belt fits properly.

Requirements guide

Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.

Read requirements

Age guide

See when children typically start and stop using boosters.

Read age guide