Whether you are a resident or visiting Nevada, it is important to understand Nevada car seat laws. Seat belts are designed for adults, and car seats are important to ensure that children are protected in the event of an accident. The attorneys at Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers explain Nevada car seat laws.
At a Glance
Nevada car seat laws at a glance:
- Under two years old – in a rear-facing car seat or convertible car seat, in the back seat
- Under six years old or 57″ tall – in a booster seat
Nevada’s car seat law states that up to age 2, children must be in a rear-facing car seat. Until they are six years old or 57” tall, they must be in a booster seat.
What is the Nevada car seat law?
The Nevada car seat law is Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.157. It was amended effective 2022 by Assembly Bill No. 118.
Nevada’s Car Seat Laws Explained
You might be wondering – Okay, how do I comply with the Nevada car seat laws? What do they mean practically? Here is what you need to know:
- Children under two must always be in a rear-facing car seat. They must be in the back seat.
- After age 2, under the law, a child can move to a booster seat. However, most booster seats accommodate children at least four years old and 40 pounds. A child ages 2-4 should remain in a car seat until age 4 and 40 pounds.
- Once a child is four years old, they may switch to a booster seat.
- A child must be in a booster seat until they are six years old or 57” tall. 57” is the average height of an 11-year-old. So almost all children need to use their booster seats until they are six years old.
- Once a child is six years old, you are not legally required to use the booster seat, but for most children, seatbelts do not fit properly until ages 10-12. Continue to use the booster seat until children are the right size for a seatbelt to protect them.
- Always make sure a car seat is USDOT compliant and suitable for the size and weight of the child.
- Car seats must be installed correctly in the vehicle.
Nevada Booster Seat Laws
Nevada requires a booster seat from the time that the child is too big for their car seat until they are six years old or 57″ inches tall. For most children, this means that a booster seat is required until they are six years old.
Are there any situations where a child under two years old can ride in the front seat?
A child under two years old should never ride in the front seat. They should always be in a rear-facing car seat. Having a child in the front seat is legally acceptable if the following are met:
- Special health care needs of the child require them to ride in the front seat
- A physician certifies that the child needs to ride in the front seat
- The passenger side airbag is deactivated
- The child is secured rear-facing
OR
- Children who are also under age 2 are in all the back seats in the motor vehicle
- The passenger side airbag is deactivated
OR
- There are no back seats in the vehicle
- The passenger side airbag is deactivated
Riding in the front seat with an airbag is extremely dangerous. In all circumstances where a person under two years old is in the front seat, the airbag must be shut off. Only in situations where one of these circumstances is present – exactly – is the driver legal to allow a child to ride in the front seat.
When can a child ride in the front seat in Nevada?
A child can ride in the front seat in Nevada beginning at age 4. They must use a booster seat until age 6. Even though a child can ride in the front seat when they are 4, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that children ride in the back seat until they are 12 years old.
Nevada Car Seat Laws for Taxis
Do you have to use a car seat in a taxi in Nevada?
Nevada car seat laws do not apply to taxi drivers. Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.157(7) states that the car seat law does not apply to a person transporting a child in a means of public transportation, including a taxi. A taxi driver may lawfully transport a child without a car seat otherwise required in Nevada’s passenger vehicles.
Nevada Car Seat Laws for Uber
Do you have to use a car seat in an Uber in Nevada?
Nevada law classifies Uber as a means of public transportation and is exempt from Nevada car seat laws. It is legal for a child to ride in an Uber in Nevada without a car seat. However, an Uber driver can refuse a ride, so it is within the driver’s discretion whether to allow it.
Nevada Car Seat Laws for Lyft
Do you have to use a car seat in a Lyft in Nevada?
Nevada exempts Lyft drivers from car seat laws because they are public transportation companies like taxis. If the driver allows it, a child does not have to be in a car seat when riding in a Lyft. However, it is always best practice to follow Nevada car seat laws for any passenger vehicle transportation.
What is the penalty for not having a car seat?
A violation of Nevada’s car seat laws is punishable as follows:
- For a first offense, a fine of $100-$500 or 10-50 hours of community service
- For a second offense, a fine of $500-$1,000 or 50-100 hours of community service
- For a third offense, a driver’s license suspension of 30-180 days
The defendant has 60 days to get a car seat installed and inspected and provide the court with proof. If they do, the court must waive the fine or community service imposed for a first offense. For a second offense, the court may reduce the penalty by one-half. A person may only have a sentence waived or reduced once for a car seat violation.
Lawyers for Car Accidents Involving Car Seats
If you have been in an accident, the Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers are here to help. We have a wealth of experience and knowledge representing accident victims, and we can represent you. We handle accident claims that involve car seats. Contact us for a review of your case.