Booster Seat Laws in Georgia

Booster seats adjusted to the appropriate size need to be used for children under eight years old in Georgia.
Written by Kaitlin May
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Under Georgia state law, children under the age of eight whose height is less than 57 inches must sit in the back seat of the car in a booster seat tailored to their size.
For children in Georgia ages 12 and under, automobile accidents are a leading cause of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), those deaths are largely preventable with the proper restraints.
Not only can driving with your children onboard without booster seats put them in danger, but it can also place you at risk for serious penalties if you get pulled over.
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What is the booster seat law in Georgia?

According to Georgia statutes, children eight years old and under always need to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. If children weigh over 40 pounds and are under 4’9’’, a booster seat with the proper belt positioning is required.
Georgia law also recommends that children under the age of 12 should be seated in the back of a vehicle.
With the stakes so high, it can be stressful to ensure your child is outfitted with the appropriate seat for their size. Don’t worry—this table breaks down exactly what you need to do to secure your little one on the road:
Seat type
Age limit
Child weight and/or height
Infant seat (rear-facing)
Newborn to one-year-old
Up to 20 pounds
Toddler seat (forward-facing)
One to three years old
20 to 40 pounds
Booster seat
Four years to eight years old
Between 40 and 80 pounds/under 4’9’’ tall
Seat belt
Eight plus years old
Taller than 4’9’’
The safest way to approach children as passengers in your car is to tailor their car seats to their height and weight. Despite their age, children should continue using booster seats until adult-sized seatbelts fit them comfortably.
Key Takeaway Children under the age of eight, over 40 pounds, and under 4’9’’ should always sit in a booster seat with proper restraints in the back seat of a vehicle.

How to safely install a booster or car seat 

Knowing the right dimensions for your child’s safety is just the first step. You’ll need to make sure the booster or car seat is installed properly before driving off with your kiddos. 
Thanks to the NHTSA, you can look up detailed instructions and reassure yourself that the seat is installed seamlessly by
finding an inspection station
near you.
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What are the penalties for breaking the booster seat law in Georgia?

Neglecting to follow the booster seat law can earn you a fine of up to $50 and one point on your driving record. The official charge would be considered an “improperly restrained child.” 
Additional violations of the law can double the penalties, and even lead to a suspended license.

How breaking booster seat laws can impact insurance in Georgia

A booster seat violation isn’t just a red flag to your insurance company, but it also results in increased monthly payments. Accruing points on your driving record is a surefire way to get your rates raised by your car insurance company.
Any changes in your driving record including tickets, violations, and points drive up your rates and can be detrimental if your driving record already has blemishes on it.

Finding cheap car insurance

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Jerry will handle any paperwork needed to get you switched over, and will even help you get your old policy canceled. Jerry doesn’t just disappear after your initial setup, either. With routine shopping before each policy renewal, you can save an average of $800+ per year!
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