Attention all Mississippi parents and caregivers: are you aware of the Mississippi car seat laws?
As a responsible and loving guardian, it’s important to ensure the safety of your little ones while on the road.
MS car seat law requires all children under 4 years to be properly secured in a car seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
We want to make sure that you have all the information you need to keep your child safe and sound on the road.
In this guide, we will cover everything including Mississippi rear-facing car seat laws, what age, height and weight for booster seats, and MS booster seat laws.
By the end, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to protect your precious cargo.
Table of Contents
Mississippi Rear-facing Car Seat Law
In Mississippi car seat law, any child under the age of two must be seated in a rear-facing car seat or a convertible seat. These seats must be placed in the back seat of the vehicle for the safety of the child.
To learn more about rear-facing car seat laws in other US states, you can check out Florida, Indiana, and Michigan rear-facing car seat laws.
Mississippi Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Once your child crosses the height or weight limit of rear-facing for their convertible car seat, it’s time to switch to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
And I tell you, keep your child in that forward-facing seat for as long as possible, until they hit the maximum weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Safety first, always.
To learn more about forward-facing car seat laws in other US states, you can check out Georgia, Illinois, and California forward-facing car seat laws.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Mississippi
In Mississippi car seat law, it is mandatory for all young passengers whose height or weight exceeds the forward-facing limit of their car seat to utilize a belt-positioning booster seat.
This is to ensure a proper fit of the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. Typically, children must reach at least 4 feet 9 inches in height before they can safely ride without a booster seat.
To learn more about booster seat laws in other US states, you can check out Ohio, Texas, and New York booster car seat laws.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Mississippi?
In Mississippi car seat law, while there is no specific age requirement for when a child can start riding in the front seat of a car, it is suggested that children under the age of 13 should primarily ride in the back seat.
This is due to the fact that at this age, children are generally still of a smaller stature, and thus, may not be at the appropriate height to sit in the front seat safely.
To learn more about front seat laws in other US states, you can check out Oregon, New Mexico and Virginia front car seat laws.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Mississippi
There are no Mississippi car seat laws specifically addressing the issue of leaving children alone in a vehicle.
However, it is important to remember that leaving a child unsupervised in a car can be a dangerous situation and can lead to serious harm or even death from heat stroke or other risks.
As responsible parents and guardians, we should always strive to make informed decisions and keep our young ones safe.
To gain a broader perspective on laws regarding leaving children unattended in vehicles, explore the regulations in states such as Delaware, and Massachusetts. Familiarizing yourself with the various statutes across the country will help you better understand the legal implications of this important safety issue.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Mississippi?
As of right now, there isn’t a Mississippi car seat law that prohibits smoking in a vehicle with a child present. However, it appears that there have been efforts to pass such a bill.
Though it did not pass last year, it may be worth keeping an eye out for any updates on the matter.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Mississippi
In Mississippi car seat law, there are no exemptions for these types of transportation when it comes to car seat laws.
That’s right, whether you’re hailing a taxi or using a ride-sharing service, you must abide by the car seat laws and either bring your own or make arrangements beforehand.
To learn more about Taxi car seat laws in other US states, you can check out taxi car seat laws in Tennessee.
Fines for Car Seat and Seatbelt Tickets in Mississippi
if you’re found in violation of the car seat or seatbelt laws, the consequences can be quite steep.
A violation of these laws is considered a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, the operator can be fined up to twenty-five dollars ($25) for each individual in violation.
Now, that may not seem like much, but that small fine can add up quickly if everyone in the vehicle is found in violation.
Exceptions to Car Seat and Seatbelt Requirements
In the state of Mississippi, there are certain vehicles and situations that are exempt from the laws regarding car seats and seat belts.
For instance, registered farm vehicles and buses, as well as rural mail carriers and meter readers, are not required to use restraint devices.
However, we must also consider the welfare of our children who may have medical conditions that prevent them from using car seats or seat belts.
Mississippi Seat Belt Law
In the state of Mississippi, seat belt laws are of primary concern. All drivers and adult front seat passengers must buckle up while on the road.
It is mandatory for individuals aged 7 and above to wear seat belts while riding or driving in the front seat.
You must adhere to Mississippi car seat law to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road.
Law on Car Seat Replacement in Mississippi
There is no specific Mississippi car seat law mandating the replacement of car seats following an accident.
However, it is important to note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends replacing car seats after any incident that is deemed moderate or severe.
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Mississippi
- Car Seats: Information for Families
- Mississippi State University Car Seat Safety
- Car Seat Safety – Nemours KidsHealth
- Car Seats: Information for Families
- AAA Car Seat Guide
- Car seat safety: Avoid 9 common mistakes
- AAP Car Seat Recommendations
- Why Car Seats Matter
- CDC’s Child Passenger Safety
FAQs
When can a child stop using a car seat in Mississippi?
In the state of Mississippi, it is required by law that any child under the age of four must be properly secured in a car seat while being transported in a passenger motor vehicle on any public street, roadway, or highway.
This is to ensure the safety and protection of the child at all times while on the road.
How much is a no car seat ticket in Mississippi?
In the state of Mississippi, not properly securing a child in a car seat while in a passenger motor vehicle on a public roadway is considered a misdemeanor.
The penalty for this violation is a fine of up to $25, this applies to both the operator and all passengers who are in violation.
When can a child face forward in Mississippi?
The experts at the Mississippi State Department of Health recommend that children should be facing forward in their car seat, once they have reached the age of 2 years old or have exceeded the weight and height limits of their rear-facing car seat.
Can a 4 year old sit in a booster seat near Mississippi?
Yes, children who are at least 4 years old but under 7 years old are required by law to use a booster seat or shoulder positioning device while in a vehicle.
However, exceptions apply for children who have reached a height of 4 feet 9 inches or a weight of 65 pounds or more.
The Bottom Line
And here we are, this guide has explained the Mississippi car seat laws and regulations in place to ensure the safety of children while traveling in vehicles.
As per the law, children under the age of four must be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat.
In this guide we have explained from “Booster Seat Age and Weight Requirements” to “Penalties for Non-compliance” to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Mississippi car seat laws.
Now that you know this information, it is your responsibility to ensure that all children in your care are properly secured in car seats that meet the standards set forth by MS car seat law.
I hope you found this guide helpful, if you have any questions about car seat safety and compliance, you may ask us in the comment section below.
