State law page

Rhode Island Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

2 yrs or under and under 30 lbs in rear-facing child safety seat | 7 yrs and under and shorter than 57" and under 80 lbs in child restraint

Field	Rhode Island snapshot
Age requirement	2 yrs or under and under 30 lbs in rear-facing child safety seat \| 7 yrs and under and shorter than 57" and under 80 lbs in child restraint
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	2 yrs or under and under 30 lbs in rear-facing child safety seat \| 7 yrs and under and shorter than 57" and under 80 lbs in child restraint
Adult safety belt permissible	7 yrs or under and 80 lbs or over or 57" or taller \| 8-17 yrs
Verification level	Index source; official state verification pending

Sources

Law and source links

Safety guidance

Even when Rhode Island 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.

See when children typically start and stop using boosters.

Know when to move from harnessed seat to booster.