Seat belts and child seats in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Everyone riding in a motor vehicle must be belted or in a child restraint. Children under 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m) must use a child restraint or booster seat, and children under 13 should ride in the back seat where practical.
| 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 2 must be rear-facing, a child under 4 forward-facing with harness, and a child under 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m) in a booster seat until the belt fits properly, or secured with the adult belt. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | A driver transporting a child under 13 shall transport the child in the back seat positions where it is practical to do so. [2] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | A child who no longer needs a harnessed child seat and is under 4 feet 9 inches tall must be secured in a booster seat. [2] |
Notes
- The duty applies where a safety belt is available in a vehicle meeting the federal standards; it does not apply when all designated seating positions are occupied and no belt is available.
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: Revised Code of Washington 46.61.688 Safety belts - Mandatory compliance (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: Revised Code of Washington 46.61.687 Child restraint systems (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Booster until 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) tall | Back seat where practical (under 13) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Booster until age 8 or over 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 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
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.