North Carolina Child Safety Seat and Seat Belt Laws

North Carolina state law requires that all children who are under age 8 and under 80 pounds ride in a properly used car seat or booster seat. Children may be moved to a seat belt when they reach age 8 or 80 pounds, whichever comes first. If a lap/shoulder belt is not available for a child who weighs more than 40 pounds, a properly fitted lap belt may be used, since booster seats should not be used with lap-only seat belts. North Carolina state law also requires that car seats be installed in the rear seat if the child is less than 5 years old and weighs less than 40 pounds, and if the vehicle has a passenger side airbag and a rear seat, unless the car seat is specifically designed for use with air bags. Children through age 16 who are not required to be in car seats by weight must wear a seat belt.