Skip to content
SeatChecker.org

Car seat & booster law

Alabama

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · Alabama

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 6 years old.

Infants ride rear-facing until at least 1 year or 20 pounds; then forward-facing until at least 5 years or 40 pounds; then a booster until age 6; then a seat belt until age 15.

Rear-facing < 1 yr Forward 1+ yr Booster < 6 yr Belt 6+ yr
Ala. Code § 32-5-222 Read the statute

Car seat law checker

The legally required restraint, by state.

3 yrs

General information, not legal advice.

SeatChecker

Required vs recommended

What the law enforces, and what pediatricians advise. They are not the same.

The law requires

Minimum, or it's enforceable

Rear-facing until
Age 1
Booster until
Age 6
Back seat
Not required

Pediatricians recommend

AAP — safer, not the law

Rear-facing until
To seat limit (often age 2+)
Booster until
4'9" — typically age 8–12
Back seat
Until age 13

AAP guidance is a safety best practice and is separate from Alabama's legal minimum, which ends the booster requirement at age 6. Pediatricians recommend a booster until the seat belt fits, often closer to 4 feet 9 inches and ages 8 to 12.

Every stage, by the law

Dual units shown throughout (in + cm, lb + kg). Rows marked Guidance are best practice, not a statutory requirement in Alabama.

Rear-facing Ala. Code § 32-5-222
Age
Birth – 1 yr
Weight
or 20 lb / 9 kg
Forward-facing Ala. Code § 32-5-222
Age
1 yr – 6 yr
Booster Ala. Code § 32-5-222
Age
until 6 yr
Seat belt Ala. Code § 32-5-222
Age
6 yr +
Back seat Guidance
Age
Recommended < 13

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in Alabama in 2026?
Infants ride rear-facing until at least 1 year or 20 pounds; then forward-facing until at least 5 years or 40 pounds; then a booster until age 6; then a seat belt until age 15.
When can my child stop using a booster in Alabama?
At age 6. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child in a booster until the seat belt actually fits, often around 4 feet 9 inches and ages 8 to 12.
How long must a child ride rear-facing in Alabama?
Alabama requires infants to ride rear-facing until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds. After that, the law allows a forward-facing seat with a harness, though safety experts recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as the car seat allows.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Alabama?
A violation may be fined $25 per offense. The charge may be dismissed with no court costs if you show proof that you acquired an appropriate child restraint, and $15 of the fine funds restraint vouchers for low-income families.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

Keep exploring

Check your child

Enter age, height, and weight for the exact restraint.

Alabama vs Florida

See which state is stricter, side by side.

Alabama vs Georgia

See which state is stricter, side by side.

Alabama vs Mississippi

See which state is stricter, side by side.

All states

Browse car seat laws for every US state.