Requirements guide
Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.
Read requirementsState law page
Under 2 yrs or until height or weight limit reached in rear-facing seat | 2-8 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat or in booster seat secured by lap/shoulder belt (lap belt alone is not permissible) | 7 yrs or under in rear seat if available
| Field | South Carolina snapshot |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | Under 2 yrs or until height or weight limit reached in rear-facing seat | 2-8 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat or in booster seat secured by lap/shoulder belt (lap belt alone is not permissible) | 7 yrs or under in rear seat if available |
| 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 height or weight limit reached in rear-facing seat | 2-8 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat or in booster seat secured by lap/shoulder belt (lap belt alone is not permissible) | 7 yrs or under in rear seat if available |
| 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
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 South Carolina 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