Child safety seats are required in every state, and there is an important reason why. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission believes child safety seats provide infants and young children the absolute best protection in the car.

If your child fits within more than one category due to age or weight, please place him or her in the more protective option.

• Birth – 1 year old and less than 20 pounds: Rear-facing infant or convertible seat.
• 1 year old – 4 years old and from 20 pounds to 40 pounds: Must ride forward facing in a convertible or combination seat with an internal harness as required by Louisiana law.
• 4 years old – 6 years old and from 40 pounds to 60 pounds: Must ride in a belt-positioning booster seat (backless or high-backed).
• At least 6 years old and more than 60 pounds: Lap-shoulder belt or belt-positioning booster seat.
  • The NHTSA recommends lap-shoulder belts for children 4’9” and taller.

If you’re convicted of a child safety seat offense, you have the possibility of being ticketed and fined, with your fine amounts increasing for subsequent violations.

Child Restraint Affidavit in Louisiana

Drivers that have been convicted of breaking a child safety seat law must provide the state with a Child Restraint Affidavit proving that they have acquired an appropriate child safety seat. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety (DPS) sends a notification informing you of a 30-day allowance to purchase a car seat and submit the affidavit.

You will submit the form to the address contained on the notice you receive from the DPS. If the 30-day period passes and no affidavit has been provided, the DPS willsuspend your driver’s license until you provide a notarized affidavit showing you obtained an appropriate child restraint system.

Child Seat Installation & Inspection Station Assistance

Installing a child safety seat can be difficult. Reading your specific car seat manufacturer’s guide on how to install the car seat is a good first step. You may also:

• Browse the complete list of Louisiana Child Passenger Fitting Stations on the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission website.
• Find out where to get hands-on assistance from a child passenger safety technician or locate a car seat check via the NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator.

Unattended Kids & Pets in Louisiana

Louisiana law mandates a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both for first-time offenders who leave a child or a pet unattended in a motor vehicle. For subsequent offenses, the fine ranges between $1,000 and $5,000 with jail time of no less than 1 year or more than 2 years.

If you see a child left unattended in a vehicle, please contact local law enforcement or dial 911 immediately. If you encounter a vehicle with an unattended pet inside, please contact your local police department or animal control unit.