State law page

South Carolina Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

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

FieldSouth Carolina snapshot
Age requirementUnder 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 requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes height language where listed.
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 requiredUnder 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 permissible7 yrs or under and 80 lbs or over or 57" or taller | 8-17 yrs
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 South 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