Louisiana’s child restraint law, R.S. 32:295, requires every person under 18 to use the appropriate restraint for their age and size. It applies whether that means a rear-facing infant seat or a standard seat belt, with a few defined exceptions.
Restraints by Age and Size
The recommended progression tracks the child’s age and the manufacturer’s height and weight limits:
- Under 2 — rear-facing seat
- Ages 2-3 — forward-facing seat with harness
- Ages 4-8 — belt-positioning booster seat
- Ages 9 and up — regular seat belt
- Ages 13 and under — must ride in the rear seat
A child moves up a category only after reaching the seat’s height or weight limit. When a child fits two categories, choose the more restrictive one. An older child is ready for an adult belt only when they sit fully back, their knees bend over the seat edge, the lap belt rests on the upper thighs and hips (not the abdomen), and the shoulder belt crosses the center of the chest (not the neck).
Penalties and Enforcement
Improper restraint is a misdemeanor. The fine is up to $100 for a first offense, $200 to $500 for a second, and $500 plus court costs for a third or later offense. If a child is unrestrained, an officer can stop you and ticket you as a primary offense. If the child is restrained but improperly, it is a secondary offense — an officer can only cite it after stopping you for something else.
Exceptions
The law recognizes limited exceptions. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances are exempt, as are situations involving a life-threatening emergency for the driver or child. A child who cannot be restrained, such as some children with special needs, is exempt. When there are more children than restraints, the unrestrained child must ride in the back. Taxis are not required to provide seats, though the state strongly recommends bringing your own.
Getting Help and Staying Current
Louisiana has more than 600 locations with certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission publishes a parish-by-parish list. To check for recalls, register the seat with its manufacturer and watch the NHTSA recall listings. If your child was hurt in a crash despite being properly seated, take them to the emergency room, and a Louisiana injury lawyer can review your options.