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Car seat & booster law

Georgia

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · Georgia

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 8 years old or taller than 4'9".

Children under 8 whose height is under 4 feet 9 inches must be in a car seat or booster and must ride in the back seat where one is available. From age 8, or once 4 feet 9 inches, a seat belt is legal.

Rear-facing per seat Forward per seat Booster < 8 yr Belt 8+ yr
O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76 Read the statute

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The legally required restraint, by state.

3 yrs

General information, not legal advice.

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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
Not specified by law
Booster until
Age 8 or 4'9"
Back seat
Required under 8

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 Georgia's legal minimum. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child in each stage longer than the law requires.

Every stage, by the law

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

Rear-facing Guidance
Age
Infant (per seat)
Forward-facing Guidance
Age
Toddler (per seat)
Booster O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76
Age
until 8 yr
Height
< 4'9" / 145 cm
Seat belt O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76
Age
8 yr +
Height
or ≥ 4'9" / 145 cm
Back seat O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76
Age
under 8 yr

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in Georgia in 2026?
Children under 8 whose height is under 4 feet 9 inches must be in a car seat or booster and must ride in the back seat where one is available. From age 8, or once 4 feet 9 inches, a seat belt is legal.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Georgia?
Up to $50 and one point on the license per improperly restrained child for a first offense. A second offense may double the fine and points.
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Georgia?
A child can legally stop using a booster at age 8, or once they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches), whichever comes first. After that, a regular seat belt is legal. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child in a booster until the seat belt fits properly, which is often closer to 4 feet 9 inches regardless of age.
Do children have to ride in the back seat in Georgia?
Yes. Children under 8 whose height is under 4 feet 9 inches must ride in the back seat where one is available. A child may ride in front only if there is no back seat, the back seats are already occupied by other restrained children, and the child weighs at least 40 pounds in a proper restraint.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

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