You must secure any child under 8 years old in a federally approved child car seat while operating the vehicle, unless the child is more than 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Use the following guidelines when buying a car seat for your child:

• Birth – 1 year old and up to 35 pounds:
  • Use a rear-facing seat suitable for your child’s height and weight.
  • Make sure you check the height and weight capacity of your car seat and follow the installation and operating instructions carefully.
• 1 year old–4 years old and 20 pounds–40 pounds:
  • Use a forward-facing seat for as long as is recommended by the manufacturer.
• 4 years old–8 years old and over 40 pounds:
  • Use a booster seat.

Failure to secure your child in an appropriate child car seat in Texas can result in a fine of up to $25 for the first offense and up to $250 for subsequent offenses.

Unattended Children in Texas

It is illegal in Texas to leave a child under 7 years old unattended in a vehicle for any period of time. Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an individual who is over 14 years old, or you risk being fined up to $500 and investigated by Child Protective Services.