Children who are less than one year old or weigh fewer than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat with a harness. The car seat can be rear-facing only, or convertible, but it must be in the rear-facing position until the child reaches the appropriate age or weight.

Children between one year old (or 20 pounds) and at least five years old (or 40 pounds) must be in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

Children who are at least five years old (or 40 pounds) must use a booster seat until the age of six.

Children between the ages of six and fifteen are required to wear a seatbelt.

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What are Alabama's seat belt laws?

What are the penalties for breaking the car seat law in Alabama?

Drivers found with child passengers who are not secured in the vehicle per Alabama's car seat laws are subject to a fine of $25, which can be lowered to $15 for low-income families.

The fees might be waived if the driver demonstrates to a judge that they have purchased a restraint system that complies with Alabama law.

The first violation will also add one point to the driver’s record, with all subsequent violations incurring a two-point penalty.

Key Takeaway Buying a proper restraint system after receiving a ticket might get your fine waived.

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How to get a toddler or baby to stay in a car seat

Can breaking the car seat law impact my driving record?

Yes, your first violation of Alabama’s car seat law will earn you one point on your driving record.

All subsequent violations will incur two points on your record. Incurring 12 points on your record in the state of Alabama within two years can result in a

license suspension

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8 things to know about license points

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How breaking car seat laws can impact insurance in Alabama

Alabama’s car seat laws are specifically designed to not negatively impact your insurance coverage.

That being said, the points you could incur by violating these laws could demonstrate to your insurance company that you are a high-risk driver, which could, in turn, impact your insurance, particularly if you already have a spotty driving record.

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Tips to get a clean driving record

Key Takeaway It’s always a possibility that breaking a car seat law might impact your insurance premium, so make sure that you keep up to date on the laws in your state.

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