Child Car Seat Laws

• All kids under the age of four must be secured in a Federally-approved child safety seat.
• All kids between the ages of four and seven must ride in either a booster seat or a car seat. Kids 4’9” or taller or those riding in vehicles with lap-only seat belts in rear seats are exempt.
• All kids too old for safety seats must wear a seat belt.

If you’re in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child’s height, weight and age.

Penalty

If caught in violation you can be slugged with a stiff fine and be forced to attend a four-hour class.

Tax Break

The state allows a $25 tax break, per year, towards the purchase of a federally-approved child safety seat.

Unattended and Kids and Pets

Kids

A person can be be slapped with a second-degree misdemeanor for injuring a minor. But due to the law’s vagueness, it is rarely used as a detriment against parents or guardians leaving children unattended in cars. Hawaii’s state legislature has been debating tightening the screws on this law, but as of now lacks the strength of consensus.

If you suspect an unattended child is in danger, call 911 and remain with the vehicle until authorities arrive.

Pets

Hawaii does not possess a law against leaving pets unattended in cars. If you suspect a pet is in danger, dial 911 and remain with the vehicle until authorities arrive.