Child Passenger Safety Laws in Missouri

1. What is the minimum age required for children to ride in a booster seat in Missouri?


In Missouri, children must be at least four years old and weigh at least 40 pounds to ride in a booster seat.

2. Does Missouri require children to be in rear-facing car seats until a certain age?


Yes, in Missouri, children must ride in rear-facing car seats until they are at least two years old, or until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

3. What type of car seat is required for newborns and infants in Missouri?


In Missouri, all infants and toddlers must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The car seat must be appropriate for the weight and height of the child, and must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Does Missouri have a law requiring children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle?


Yes, Missouri has a law that requires children under the age of eight to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Children ages 8-16 must either ride in the back seat or use a properly installed child restraint system.

5. How many passengers does Missouri permit to ride in the back seat with a child who is using a safety seat?


Missouri does not have a set limit on the number of passengers that can ride in the back seat with a child who is using a safety seat. However, it is recommended that only the necessary number of passengers ride in the vehicle to avoid overcrowding.

6. Does Missouri have any restrictions regarding the use of cell phones by drivers with passengers under the age of 18?


Yes, Missouri has restrictions regarding the use of cell phones by drivers with passengers under the age of 18. According to Missouri law, it is illegal for any driver operating a motor vehicle to use any type of cellular or wireless device while they are transporting passengers under the age of 18. This restriction applies regardless of whether the device is being used to make or receive phone calls, text messages, or access the internet.

7. Does Missouri have laws that address the use of child restraint systems in taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles?


Yes, Missouri has laws that address the use of child restraint systems in taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles. According to Section 304.022 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, drivers of taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles must ensure that any child under the age of four is properly secured in a child restraint system while traveling in the vehicle. The driver must also ensure that any child between the ages of four and eight is properly secured in a child restraint system or a seatbelt.

8. Are lap and shoulder belts required for all passengers in vehicles registered in Missouri?


Yes, lap and shoulder belts are required for all passengers in vehicles registered in Missouri.

9. Does Missouri impose any restrictions on the use of rear-facing car seats on airplanes?


No, Missouri does not impose any restrictions on the use of rear-facing car seats on airplanes. Each airline has their own policies regarding the use of car seats, so it is best to check with the airline before traveling.

10. Does Missouri have any laws that prohibit drivers from smoking in vehicles with passengers under the age of 18?


Yes, Missouri does have a law that prohibits drivers from smoking in vehicles with passengers under the age of 18.

11. Are there any laws in Missouri that apply specifically to booster seat requirements?


Yes. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, all children up to the age of four must be secured in a child safety seat. All children from four to seven must be secured in a booster seat.

12. Does Missouri allow for children under a certain age to be secured with a lap belt only?


No, Missouri does not allow for children under a certain age to be secured with a lap belt only. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, all children must be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9″ tall, whichever comes first.

13. Which type of vehicles are exempt from child restraint laws in Missouri?


In Missouri, vehicles that are used in agricultural operations, school buses, and public transportation are exempt from child restraint laws.

14. Are there any laws in Missouri that allow for exceptions to certain child restraint requirements for pregnant women?


No, there are not any laws in Missouri that allow for exceptions to certain child restraint requirements for pregnant women. Missouri follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213, which requires all occupants to be properly restrained using a seat belt or appropriate child safety seat. Pregnant women must also be properly restrained and must not be granted an exemption from complying with the law.

15. What are the penalties associated with violating child passenger safety laws in Missouri?


In Missouri, violations of child passenger safety laws are considered a Class C misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $50. Additionally, if an officer believes that a violation is particularly egregious or poses a significant risk to the safety of the child, the officer can elect to file criminal charges against the violator.

16. Are there any restrictions regarding children riding in the front seat of a vehicle in Missouri?


Yes, according to Missouri state law, all children under five years old must ride in the backseat of a vehicle. Children under five may ride in the front seat only if all seats in the back are occupied by other children who are age 5 or younger.

17. Does Missouri require the use of child safety seats at all times or just when certain criteria are met?


Missouri requires the use of child safety seats in vehicles for children under the age of 8, or under 4’9″ tall.

18. Is it legal to transport an unrestrained pet when transporting children in a vehicle registered in Missouri?


No, it is not legal to transport an unrestrained pet when transporting children in a vehicle registered in Missouri. According to the Missouri law, all passengers, regardless of age, and all pets must be properly restrained when riding in a vehicle.

19. What kind of child safety seats must be used when traveling on buses operating within Missouri?


Children under four years old must be in an approved child safety seat when traveling on buses operating within Missouri.

20. Is there a law in Missouri that requires all children riding in school buses to use booster seats or other child safety restraints?


No, Missouri does not have a law requiring children riding in school buses to use booster seats or other child safety restraints.