South Carolina’s Child Car Seat and Seat Belt Laws

South Carolina requires all motor vehicle occupants to be properly secured. A seat belt is sufficient for most passengers, but children are subject to special requirements. The requirements for child safety seats vary depending on the child's age, weight, and height. Below you'll find more details on these requirements, as well as the penalties for a child seat or seat belt violation.

South Carolina's Car Seat, Booster, and Seat Belt Requirements for Children

All children under eight years old must be properly secured as follows. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6410 (2024).)

South Carolina's Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing Car Seat Rules

Children under two years old. Generally, children must be rear-facing in an infant seat or rear-facing harness until reaching at least two years old. However, a child who exceeds the height and weight limits of these types of seats can advance to a forward-facing harness.

Children two-to-four years old. A child who's at least two years old must be in a forward-facing harness until reaching the seat's height and weight limits.

South Carolina's Booster Seat and Seat Belt Rules for Children

Children at least four years old. A child who's at least four years old that has reached the size limits for harness seats must use a belt-positioning booster seat. Also, the child must be seated in the rear seat with a shoulder strap.

Children at least eight. Once a child is eight years old or 57 inches tall he or she can ride in the rear seat without a booster seat as long as:

• the lap belt fits across the child's hips and thighs (not the abdomen)
• the shoulder strap crosses the center of the child's chest (not the neck), and
• the child is able to sit with his or her back against the seat and with knees bent over the edge of the seat without slouching.

Exceptions to South Carolina's Car Seat, Booster, and Seat Belt Laws

A child holding a physician's certificate indicating a medical inability to use a standard safety seat must still be secured in a specially-designed transport system. A child can only ride in the front seat if the rear seats are taken or the vehicle is not equipped with a back seat. Also, the car seat requirements do not apply to taxi drivers, emergency vehicles, bus drivers, or public transport vehicles.

Fines for Violations of Car Seat and Seat Belt Laws in South Carolina

A child restraint violation will result in a maximum $150 fine, plus court costs. The court will waive the fine if the offender shows proof of acquiring an appropriate car seat.

South Carolina's Seat Belt Requirements for Everyone

All vehicle occupants are required to wear a seat belt. Generally, the driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are buckled. But passengers over 18 years old or who hold driver's permits are responsible for themselves. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-6520 (2024).)

Exceptions to South Carolina's Seat Belt Requirements for Adults

The seat belt laws do not apply to emergency responders, bus drivers, mail carriers, and vehicles not manufactured with seat belts. An occupant is also exempt if a physician has certified that the use of a seat belt is not prudent due to the occupant's medical condition.

Fines for Violations of the Adult Seat Belt Requirement in South Carolina

Seat belt violations generally carry a maximum $25 fine.

South Carolina Department of Public Safety Child Car Seat Recommendations

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is tasked with establishing educational programs to help parents choose proper seating for their kids. These recommendations are helpful but not necessarily required. Car seats should always be used consistent with manufacturer instructions.

Birth	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13+
Rear-facing
	Forward-facing
			Booster (Rear Seat)
							Seat Belt (Rear Seat)
													Seat Belt

More Information and Resources on Child Safety Restraints

For more information about child restraint systems, check the recommendations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It's also a good idea to register your car seat to be notified regarding recalls.