Wyoming’s Child Car Seat and Seat Belt Laws

Wyoming requires all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts. However, children younger than nine years old must be secured in a restraint system such as a harness or booster seat. This article explains when each requirement applies and the results of a violation.

Wyoming's Car Seat Laws for Children

Wyoming requires each child under nine years old to be properly secured in a child safety restraint system. (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-1303 (2024).)

Wyoming Requires Car Seats to be in the Rear of the Vehicle

The car seat system must be installed in the rear seat if available and a rear-facing seat cannot be installed in front of an active airbag.

Car Seat and Booster Seat Requirements

Wyoming does not specify the type of seat required for each age but does require the seat to be properly installed and used. A seat that is not properly installed will count as a violation. It's also a violation for a child to use a seat in a manner that's inconsistent with the car seat manufacturer's recommendation.

Generally, children will need to be in a forward-facing car seat, rear-facing car seat, or booster seat. Which seat is appropriate will depend on the child's size.

Exceptions to the Car Seat Requirements in Wyoming

Medical reasons. A child with a medical condition preventing the safe use of a restraint system may be excused with the written certification of a physician.

Seat belt fits correctly. Also, children under nine years old may use a lap and shoulder belt without a booster if:

• the lap and shoulder belts fit properly across the collarbone, chest, and hips and
• the belts don't pose a danger to the child's neck, face, or abdomen in the event of a crash.

Exempt vehicles. School buses and public transit vehicles manufactured without seat belts are exempt from child seat requirements.

Penalties for Car Seat Violations in Wyoming

A car seat violation is a primary offense and carries a $50 fine, plus court costs, for the driver. However, the court will waive the fine if the driver shows proof of acquiring an appropriate car seat. Any subsequent violation will result in a $100 fine, plus court costs.

Wyoming's Seat Belt Laws

In Wyoming, drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt. But exceptions do exist. (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-1402 (2024).)

Vehicles Exempt from Wyoming's Seat Belt Requirements

The seat belt requirement does not apply to motorcycles, vehicles designed for more than 11 passengers, or vehicles not manufactured with seat belts.

Persons Exempt from Wyoming's Seat Belt Requirements

Postal workers. Postal carriers do not need to use seat belts while on duty.

Medical reasons. An occupant may also be exempt if he or she has a medical condition preventing the safe use of a seat belt. But the occupant must carry a physician's certification authorizing the exemption.

Fines for Seat Belt Tickets in Wyoming

A seat belt violation is a secondary offense (meaning you cannot be stopped for a seat belt violation alone). A driver violation carries a maximum $25 fine and a passenger violation carries a $10 to $100 fine. However, a driver who receives a ticket for any other moving violation will receive a $10 fine reduction if he or she was properly wearing a seat belt at the time.

More Information and Resources

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.