Seat belts and child seats in Massachusetts (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Massachusetts drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt, but police enforce this only after stopping the driver for another offence. Children under 8 must use a child passenger restraint unless they are over 57 inches tall, and children under 13 a seat belt. The fine is $25, and it does not count as a moving violation for insurance surcharges.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | A passenger under age 8 must be fastened and secured by a child passenger restraint, unless the passenger measures more than 57 inches (1.45 m) in height. A passenger under age 13 who is not required to be in a child passenger restraint must wear a safety belt. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Passenger cars | Secondary enforcement: the seat-belt law is enforced only when the driver has been stopped for a violation of the motor vehicle laws or some other offence. [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | $25 for a driver, or for a passenger aged 16 or over, who does not wear a seat belt. The driver pays an extra $25 for each unbelted passenger aged 12 to 15. It does not count as a moving violation for insurance surcharges. [1] |
Notes
- Section 13A is enforced by law enforcement only when the operator has been stopped for a violation of the motor vehicle laws or some other offence. It does not apply to children under 12 covered by section 7AA.
Sources
- Massachusetts Legislature: General Laws, Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 13A Seat belt use required (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Massachusetts Legislature: General Laws, Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 7AA Child passenger restraints (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 March 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Massachusetts and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Under 8 unless over 57 in; under 13 belt | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Connecticut | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Harness/booster to age 8 or 60 lb; then belt | Allowed; rear-facing seat not with active airbag | Not allowed |
| New Hampshire | Under 18 only | Under 18 only | Under 7 unless 57 in+; under 2 rear-facing | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | Yes, driver and front passengers | Yes, back-seat passengers | Child seat under 4; restraint age 4-7; belt to 16 | Allowed with the required restraint | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | Under 8, under 57 in and under 80 lb | Rear seat; front only if no back seat or rear full | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | Booster under 8; belt under 18 | Rear seat if practical (under 13) | Not allowed |
More rules in Massachusetts
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 6 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 40 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16½ (junior operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1 and 2 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers included)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named unless locking or spring-release · Locking or one-handed knives: Locking-draw devices banned; switchblade ban void
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales to under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales to under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% = licence suspension (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.