Rhode Island Safety Belt / Child Restraint Law

The Seat Belt Use Law is a primary law for all ages, meaning you can be pulled over if anyone is unbuckled.

Safety Belt Use Law – Rhode Island General Law (“R.I.G.L.”) 31-22-22:

1. 31-22-22 (f): Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a person eighteen (18) years of age and older in any seating position of a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets or highways of this state shall ensure that the person be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
2. 31-22-22 (g): Any person who is an operator of a motor vehicle shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 while the vehicle is in operation on any of the roadways, streets, or highways of this state.
3. Vehicle operator is responsible for compliance of sections (f) and (g). The fine for violation of this section is $40.00 per occupant.

Child Restraint Law – R.I.G.L. 31-22-22:

1. 31-22-22 (a): Any person transporting a child under the age of eight (8), less than fifty-seven (57) inches (4 ½ feet tall) in height and less than eighty (80) pounds in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall transport the child in any rear seating position of the motor vehicle properly restrained in a child restraint system approved by the United States Department of Transportation under Federal Standard 213. If the child is under eight (8) years old but at least fifty-seven (57) inches in height, or at least eighty (80) pounds the child shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness approved by the Department of Transportation pursuant to Federal Standard 208 in any rear seating position of the motor vehicle.
2. 31-22-22 (b)(1): Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a child who has attained the age of eight (8) years but is under eighteen (18) years of age in any seating position within a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of the state shall ensure that the passenger is properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by Federal Standard 208.
3. 31-22-22 (b)(2): Any operator of a motor vehicle under eighteen (18) years of age shall properly wear a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system. Exceptions: Children under age eight (8) years old are exempt from being transported in any ear seating position if: a. the vehicle b. all rear seating c. in 31-22-22
4. Penalty: The fine, after a violation is sustained, for a child riding in the front seat or for a child over age seven (7) years not in a child restraint system is $85.00. A violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint system mandates a court appearance.

Booster Seat/Safety Seat/Safety Belt Use Law – R.I.G.L. 31-22-22:

1. Infants:
   • Birth to at least a minimum of age two (2) years old or at least 30 lbs.
   • Rear-facing only and/or convertible car seat.
   • Back seats use only.
2. Toddlers:
   • A minimum of two (2) years old or thirty 30 lbs. or to the car seat manufacturer’s maximum recommended weight for rear facing. If the child is still under 2 years of age and under 30 lbs., child must remain rear facing.
   • Forward-facing convertible car seat only after child has reached 2 years of age. Recommend child stay rear facing as long as possible.
   • Back seats use only.
3. Children under eight (8) years of age:
   • Less than eighty (80) lbs. and/or less than fifty-seven (57) inches.
   • Booster seat or safety harness.
   • Back seats use only.
4. Children under eighteen (18) years of age:
   • Lap/shoulder seat belt.
   • Properly placed on upper thighs across the hip bones and across middle of chest.
   • Back seat. Safest place for airbag safety.
5. Drivers and passengers eighteen (18) years of age and older:
   • Lap/shoulder seat belt.
   • Properly placed on upper thighs across the hip bones and across middle of chest.
6. Does your child need a booster seat?
   
   Take the five (5) step seat belt fit test. Did you know most children need a booster seat from the age of four (4) to at least between the ages of eight (8) and twelve (12). If your child is not riding in a booster seat, then take the five (5) step seat belt test:
   • Is the child’s lower back all the way against the vehicle seat?
   • Do the child’s knees bend at the edge of the vehicle seat?
   • Does the shoulder belt come down over the collar bone and across the center of the chest?
   • Is the lap belt on the upper thighs across the hip bones?
   • Can the child stay seated like this for the entire trip?

IF YOUR ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS IS ‘NO’, THEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS A BOOSTER SEAT TO RIDE SAFELY IN THE VEHICLE. BOOSTER SEATS MUST BE USED WITH A LAP/SHOULDER HARNESS SYSTEM!

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