Seat belts and child seats in Oregon (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Everyone in a motor vehicle on a highway must be secured with a safety belt or a child safety system. Children under 2 must be rear-facing, and booster seats apply to children over 40 pounds who are 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m) or shorter.
| 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 person under 2 must be in a rear-facing child safety system; up to 40 pounds in a child safety system; over 40 pounds and 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m) or shorter in a booster-type system that makes the belt fit. A person aged 8 or older, or taller than 4 feet 9 inches, may use a safety belt. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | A child over 40 pounds who is 4 feet 9 inches or shorter must use a child seat that raises the child so the belt fits (booster seat), until age 8 or until taller than 4 feet 9 inches. [1] |
Sources
- Oregon Legislative Counsel: Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 811: Rules of the Road for Drivers (ORS 811.210 Failure to properly use safety belts) (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Booster until age 8 or over 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| California | Yes, age 16+ | Yes, age 16+ | Rear-seat restraint under 8 (or 4 ft 9 in); belt 8+ | Under 8 in rear seat, with exceptions | Not allowed |
| Idaho | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Child restraint to age 6, then belt | No seat rule; unrestrained child goes in rear | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Under 6 or under 57 in: child restraint system | Under 2: back seat; older children may ride in front | No: infants never in front with an airbag |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Booster until 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) tall | Back seat where practical (under 13) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Oregon
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph business; 25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph on listed highways
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial retail fireworks only
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Concealed spring/gravity blade banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.55 per hour (standard rate)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, 18 or older
- 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 (under 21 may not buy or possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.