Delaware Child Car Seat Laws (2024)
Car seat laws in Delaware require children to be in the proper car seat restraint for their age until they can graduate to a seat belt. There are certain types of car seat restraint each age group needs, however what type of child restraint your child needs depends on their age, height, and weight.
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Daniel Walker
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Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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UPDATED: Jun 22, 2023
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UPDATED: Jun 22, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Children cannot sit in the front seat until they are at least 12 years old
- Children must be in the right seat for their height and weight
- Violating the child seat laws in Delaware can result in tickets
Properly restraining a child in the car is the best way to keep them safe in the event of a crash. Delaware’s child seat restraint requirements vary by child’s age, and it’s essential to follow these laws carefully to protect child passengers. In addition, just as not following the laws for Delaware auto insurance will result in penalties, not following the Delaware car seat laws will result in tickets and fines.
To learn about car seat laws in Delaware, read on. We will cover everything you need to know about Delaware car seat laws.
Delaware Car Seat Laws: Types of Car Seats Required
What type of child restraint your child needs depends on their age, height, and weight. Not following the Delaware car seat laws can earn you a $25 ticket for a first offense and put your child passenger in danger. However, properly seating your child in the correct car seat significantly improves their safety in a crash, even if you are out on one of the deadliest holidays to drive. We’ve outlined what type of car seat restraint each age group needs.
Rear-Facing Child Restraint
In Delaware, children need to be in a rear-facing child seat until they outgrow the height and weight maximums on a rear-facing child seat. However, children under two should always be in a rear-facing child seat.
However, we strongly recommend keeping children in the rear-facing child restraint for as long as possible, as it is the safest position for your children. Depending upon the height and weight requirements on your child’s seat, you may be able to keep your child in a rear-facing seat until three years old, as the weight limit is usually 40 pounds for rear-facing child seats.
Forward-Facing Child Restraint
Once a child outgrows a rear-facing car seat, usually around three to four years of age, they can graduate to a forward-facing child restraint. Read the height and weight requirements to ensure your child is the right size for the forward-facing seat.
When graduating to a forward-facing child restraint, it’s crucial to ensure you use the top tether on the seat to secure it to the car. Many people aren’t aware that there is one, but they should always use the top tether. The instructions on your child restraint will detail how to properly install your forward-facing car seat.
Booster Seat Restraint
After eight years old, most children are big enough to graduate to a booster seat. Check a booster seat’s height and weight requirements before graduating your child to a booster seat.
When using a booster seat, it is vital to ensure that the shoulder belt is across the shoulder and chest area. It should not be across the neck or face, as this can cause serious injury in a crash. The lap belt must also lay across the upper thighs, not the child’s stomach.
Seat Belt Restraint
Once a child outgrows a booster seat, they can graduate to using a seat belt without a booster. Generally, children must be taller than four feet nine inches to graduate from a booster seat. The common age when children outgrow a booster seat is between 10 to 12 years of age.
It’s important to note that children under 12 years of age aren’t allowed to sit in the front passenger seat, even if they have graduated from a booster seat. This is different from other states’ laws, such as the NC front seat law allowing younger children to sit up front.
According to the State of Delaware, the best car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use every time your child is in the car.
So when you travel, keep up with individual state laws and research answers to questions like “How old to sit in the front seat in NY?” or “Front seat requirements in PA” to avoid a ticket.
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When Children Don’t Need Safety Restraints in Delaware
In some cases, your child may not need to be restrained. For example, if you are taking the bus or a taxi, your child doesn’t need to be in a car seat. If your child has a qualifying medical condition that prevents them from using a car seat or seat belt, they can also be exempt. You will need proof of exemption if law enforcement pulls you over.
The Final Word on Delaware Car Seat Laws
Following Delaware’s car seat laws is essential to keep your child safe. Car seat manufacturers will list the height and weight requirements for each type of child restraint so you can ensure your child is in the proper car seat for their age.
In addition to ensuring your child is in the right seat, it is also important to carry the right type of car insurance. You can use our free quote comparison tool to find the best insurance rates in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the child car seat laws in Delaware?
In Delaware, the child car seat laws require that children under the age of 8 must be properly secured in a child restraint system while traveling in a motor vehicle.
Are there any height and weight requirements for child car seats in Delaware?
Yes, in addition to the age requirement, children must also meet specific height and weight criteria to determine the type of child restraint system they should use. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific height and weight limits for each type of car seat.
What type of car seat should I use for my child in Delaware?
The appropriate type of car seat for your child in Delaware depends on their age, height, and weight. Here are the general guidelines:
- Infants and toddlers: Rear-facing car seat until at least 2 years of age or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer.
- Toddlers and preschoolers: Forward-facing car seat with a harness once they outgrow the rear-facing seat.
- School-aged children: Booster seat until they are at least 8 years old and meet the height and weight requirements for using a seat belt without a booster seat.
Can my child ride in the front seat of the car in Delaware?
Delaware law requires that children under the age of 8 must be properly secured in a child restraint system in the rear seat of the vehicle, unless the vehicle has no rear seats or the rear seats are already occupied by other children under the age of 8.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with child car seat laws in Delaware?
The penalties for non-compliance with Delaware’s child car seat laws can vary. Violations may result in fines, and repeat offenses could lead to increased fines or other consequences. It’s essential to follow the laws to ensure the safety of your child and avoid penalties.
Are there any exceptions to Delaware’s child car seat laws?
Yes, Delaware’s child car seat laws have a few exceptions. They include situations where a child is being transported by a licensed child care provider, a school, or a public transit system. Additionally, if a medical condition prevents a child from using a child restraint system, a written statement from a physician may exempt them from the requirement.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.