Rhode Island Child Restraint and Seat Belt Laws

RI GL LAW – 31-22-22

• (f) Any passenger thirteen (13) years of age or older, in any seating position, shall be transported properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system.
• (g) A motor vehicle operator shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system.

*NOTE: Vehicle operator is responsible for compliance of sections (a) (b) and (f) for all passengers.

The fine for being unrestrained is $85

Child Passenger Safety Law

• Children under age eight (8) years old, less than fifty-seven (57) inches (4 feet, 9 inches) tall and weighing less that 80 lbs. (max weight limit of a booster seat) must be transported in any rear seating position of a motor vehicle and properly restrained in a child restraint system.
• Children between the ages of 8 through 12 as a passenger in any seating position shall be properly wearing a safety belt.

EXCEPTIONS:

Children under age eight (8) years are exempt from being transported in any rear seating position if:

(i) the vehicle has no backseat (i.e. pickup, sports car)
(ii) all rear seating positions are already being utilized by other children.

NOTE:: In the (ii) situation, the oldest child should ride in the front seat if vehicle is equipped with a passenger side air bag.

The fine for a child riding in the front seat or over 8 years old not in a seatbelt is $85. A violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint system requires an appearance in court.