Free Consultation
208-517-7670
You pay nothing until we win
You pay nothing until we win
by Matthew C. Andrew - August 15th, 2025
At Andrew Injury Law, we understand how important it is to keep children safe on Idaho’s roads. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injury for young passengers, which is why Idaho car seat laws exist to protect them. Under state regulations, children 6 years old or younger must be properly secured in a child safety restraint system that matches their age, weight, and height. Failing to follow these rules can result in penalties and, more importantly, put your child at risk.
Understanding these details matters because a single oversight can lead to injuries that change a family forever, and legal consequences you may not expect.
Idaho’s Child Passenger Safety Law, found in Idaho Code §49-672, requires that any child aged six or younger be secured in a federally approved child restraint system whenever a vehicle is in motion. These laws are designed to minimize injuries in collisions by ensuring that restraints fit the child’s size and developmental stage.
According to the Idaho Legislature, this responsibility applies to drivers and parents. The law recognizes that using the proper restraint significantly reduces the risk of severe injury in an accident.
Car seats are required for children until they are at least 7 years of age or exceed the limits of an approved child restraint system based on federal safety guidelines. While state law stops at age six, the Idaho Transportation Department strongly advises using booster seats well beyond that age to ensure the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts fit correctly.
This recommendation is not arbitrary; without a booster, most children under 4’9” in height face an increased risk of internal injuries because seat belts are designed for adult proportions.
Choosing the correct restraint depends on age, weight, and height. Here is a quick reference:
Babies under 12 months should always ride in a rear-facing seat. These seats cradle the infant and provide maximum head, neck, and spine support during a crash.
Once children exceed the rear-facing weight limit (usually around age 1), they can move to a forward-facing seat with a harness. This seat should remain their primary restraint if they fit the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Children in this age range typically stay in a forward-facing seat with a harness until they max out its limits. Afterward, they transition to a booster seat.
While Idaho law does not explicitly mandate car seats after age 6, it is strongly recommended that children use booster seats until they are tall enough for a seat belt to fit correctly.
A booster seat elevates a child so that the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts fit securely, the lap belt across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt across the chest. This reduces the risk of internal injuries in a crash.
State safety campaigns, such as Shift Idaho, recommend booster use until the seat belt fits correctly across the chest and thighs.
The vehicle’s driver is responsible for ensuring that all children under seven are correctly restrained, following Idaho Code §49-672.
If a child is not adequately secured, the ticket is issued to the driver, regardless of whether the parent or guardian is in the car.
Violating Idaho’s car seat law typically results in a $66 fine. While the cost may seem small, the consequences of improper restraint during a collision can be life-altering.
Certain exemptions apply. For example, taxis and emergency vehicles are generally not required to provide car seats. Additionally, an exemption may apply if a child has a documented medical condition that prevents proper restraint, but written proof from a healthcare professional is required.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
LinkedIn Profile: Matthew Andrew, JD, MBA
Car seat safety isn’t just a regulation; it’s a life-saving rule. If you or your child were injured in a crash caused by someone who ignored Idaho car seat laws, Andrew Injury Law can help. We fight for maximum compensation. Call us today at 208-517-7670 for a free consultation.
Client Reviews
4 months ago 
Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.
View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Matt Andrew was so helpful and encouraging regarding our small auto accident negotiation. We received clear and comprehensive suggestions and outline of action for us to take. We are grateful to have spoken with him directly and on the first phone call to his office. Great attitude and genuine interest in helping. Definitely recommend.
Matt is a “Tell it like it is”, Attorney. He will scour the data, and go to bat for you. He becomes your liaison, so you can really focus about just getting better, and though he wont loan you any money, he’ll tell you what you need you need to do to survive if you’re out of work for a bit. Attorneys aren’t cheap, you’ll end up with more if you use one. Heed his advise for the strongest case argument in your favor.
I called Matt he was driving he took my information and he immediately called me back, he answered my question and gave me advice on how to handle the situation, he very helpful for my situation, he was thorough
Andrew Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Idaho. We focus on representing individuals who suffer injuries from someone else’s negligence. We use a compassionate and aggressive approach to help our clients after an injury. Our team knows that injuries can be life-altering. Our Boise injury lawyer fights for our clients every step, leading to trial if necessary. Get in touch with the Boise injury lawyers from Andrew Injury Law today.
Andrew Injury Law represents people who need help during the most challenging times. Injuries are life-changing in many ways. Even a minor injury can leave you out of work for weeks with mountains of medical bills. Permanent injuries require more medical attention and bring more bills. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call our personal injury lawyer in Caldwell for a free case review.
You must get legal representation immediately when you suffer an injury or lose a loved one. The insurance companies are vultures looking to diminish your claim. They don’t care about the pain you are suffering. They only care about their bottom line. When you file a personal injury claim, you will pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Andrew Injury Law helps injured individuals seek compensation from negligent parties. We offer free case reviews, so call our office today.
Our primary goal is to hold the at-fault party responsible by getting you financial reimbursement for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today with our Meridian personal injury lawyer from Andrew Injury Law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
When involved in an Uber-related car accident, a common concern is managing Uber passenger accident settlem...
Ice road accidents are a harsh reality of winter driving in Idaho, where unpredictable weather can turn a r...
Parents in Boise often ask, How old do you have to be to sit in the front seat in Idaho?. This question car...
Accidental injuries cause over 24 million emergency room visits per year in the U.S., and many of these injuries are the fault of other parties.
Idaho reported more than 27,500 traffic crashes in a recent year, with over 12,600 people suffering injuries and 271 fatalities. We help car crash victims seek justice.
Commercial trucks are critical to Idaho’s economy, but they also put everyone at risk of serious collisions and injuries. We stand up to trucking companies.
Motorcyclists love the wide open spaces of Idaho, but other drivers are not always careful and can hit motorcycles, causing devastating injuries and losses.
After a fatal accident, families can face overwhelming emotional and financial losses. We can help your family seek financial support and justice for your loved one’s wrongful death.
Many accidents happen because property owners or businesses do not maintain their premises. If you slipped and fell or had another premises-related accident, we can help.
Whether you work in construction, logging, or in an office, injuries can happen. We assist injured workers in seeking maximum compensation for their injuries.
Getting the workers’ comp you deserve for a job-related illness or injury can be more challenging than you expect. Seek help with your claim from our legal team.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Message Us 
Call Us