State law page

South Dakota Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

Under 5 yrs and under 40 lbs must be properly secured in a child safety seat

Field	South Dakota snapshot
Age requirement	Under 5 yrs and under 40 lbs must be properly secured in a child safety seat
Height requirement	No height threshold listed in GHSA summary.
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 5 yrs and under 40 lbs must be properly secured in a child safety seat
Adult safety belt permissible	5-18 yrs must be properly secured in a seat belt, harnessed child safety seat or booster seat
Verification level	Index source; official state verification pending

Sources

Law and source links

Safety guidance

Even when South Dakota 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.