Requirements guide
Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.
Read requirementsState law page
Under 2 yrs (or until outgrows the top height or weight recommendations) in rear-facing child restraint | 2-3 yrs in forward-facing child restraint | 4-7 yrs booster seat
| Field | Pennsylvania snapshot |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | Under 2 yrs (or until outgrows the top height or weight recommendations) in rear-facing child restraint | 2-3 yrs in forward-facing child restraint | 4-7 yrs booster seat |
| 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 2 yrs (or until outgrows the top height or weight recommendations) in rear-facing child restraint | 2-3 yrs in forward-facing child restraint | 4-7 yrs booster seat |
| Adult safety belt permissible | 8-18 yrs |
| 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 Pennsylvania 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