Seat belts and child seats in Wisconsin (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The operator and all passengers aged 8 or over must be belted in the front and other seats. A child under 8 must be in a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, booster or belt according to age, weight and height.
| 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 must be in a restraint suited to age and size: rear-facing if under 1 year or under 20 pounds; forward-facing if under 4 years or under 40 pounds; a booster seat if aged 4 to 7, 40 to 80 pounds and up to 57 inches (1.45 m); otherwise an approved safety belt. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | A child under 1 year or under 20 pounds, and a child under 4 years or under 40 pounds, must be restrained in a back passenger seat if the vehicle is equipped with one. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Children aged 4 to under 8 who weigh 40 to 80 pounds and are no taller than 57 inches must ride in a forward-facing child seat or a booster seat. [1] |
Notes
- The duty applies where the vehicle is required to be equipped with safety belts; taxicabs are excluded. Children under 8 are covered by subsection (4).
Sources
- Wisconsin State Legislature: Wisconsin Statutes Section 347.48 Safety belts and child restraint (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Wisconsin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes | Under 8 (booster to 80 lb or 57 in) | Young children: back seat if the vehicle has one | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Yes | Under 18 only | Child seat under 6; seat or belt to 18 | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Restraint under 8; seat belt from 8 to 15 | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Michigan | Yes | Adults: no; under 16: yes | Child seat, then booster to 4 ft 9 in or 8; belt under 13 | Rear seat if available (under 13) | No: only if the front air bag is deactivated |
| Minnesota | Yes, driver and all passengers | Yes, driver and all passengers | Seats by age; adult belt from age 9 or when outgrown | Under 13 in rear seat when available | No if airbag active and rear seat available (under 6/60 lb) |
More rules in Wisconsin
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour, then felony) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph outlying · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, with a municipal permit
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Any knife excluded
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · 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: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.