Seat belts and child seats in Rhode Island (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Everyone in a vehicle must wear a seat belt in any seating position. A child under 8 who is under 57 inches (1.45 m) tall and under 80 pounds must be in a child restraint system in a rear seating position.
| 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 child under 8 who is less than 57 inches (1.45 m) tall and under 80 pounds must be in an approved child restraint system. A child under 8 who is at least 57 inches or 80 pounds must wear a seat belt. Children aged 8 to under 18 must wear a seat belt. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | A child under 8, less than 57 inches tall and under 80 pounds must be carried in a rear seating position. The front seat is allowed if the vehicle has no back seat or all rear positions are used by other children. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | $40 for a driver or passenger without a seat belt; $100 for a child not in a child restraint. Seat-belt convictions are not recorded on the driving record. [2] |
Notes
- The belt duty applies to motor vehicles required by federal law to have safety belts.
Sources
- Rhode Island General Assembly: Rhode Island General Laws Section 31-22-22 Safety belt use - Child restraint (Internet Archive snapshot of 9 February 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- State of Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 31-41.1-4 Schedule of violations (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 February 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Rhode Island 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Under 8 unless over 57 in; under 13 belt | ⚠ 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 |
More rules in Rhode Island
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 3 mature + 3 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph day, 45 mph night
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (limited instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial items only · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: 3 in blade limit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.