{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1095.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1095.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1095.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1095.html"}],"law_id":86011,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86011,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1095","catch_line":"Child restraint devices required when transporting certain children; safety belts for passengers less than 18 years old required","history":"1982, c. 634, \u00a7 46.1-314.2; 1984, c. 280; 1986, c. 283; 1989, c. 727; 1992, cc. 119, 405; 1997, c. 793; 2000, c. 736; 2002, cc. 358, 616, 660; 2007, cc. 91, 935; 2010, c. 661; 2018, c. 402; 2019, cc. 196, 319.","full_text":"A\n\nAny person who drives on the highways of Virginia any motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968, shall ensure that any child, up to age eight, whom he transports therein is provided with and properly secured in a child restraint device of a type which meets the standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation. Such child restraint device shall not be forward-facing until at least (i) the child reaches two years of age or (ii) the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device. Further, child restraint devices shall be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the event the vehicle does not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front passenger seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side airbag or the passenger side airbag has been deactivated.B\n\nAny person transporting another person less than 18 years old, except for those required pursuant to subsection A to be secured in a child restraint device, shall ensure that such person is provided with and properly secured by an appropriate safety belt system when driving on the highways of Virginia in any motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968, equipped or required by the provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices.C\n\nA violation of this section shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages in a civil action.D\n\nA violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons form.E\n\nNothing in this section shall apply to any person operating taxicabs, school buses, executive sedans, or limousines. The provisions of (i) subsection B shall not apply to any person operating an emergency medical services agency vehicle, fire company vehicle, fire department vehicle, or law-enforcement agency vehicle while in the performance of his official duties and (ii) subsection A shall not apply to any person operating any such vehicle in the performance of his official duties, under exigent circumstances, provided that no child restraint device is readily available.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":308031,"text":"Any person who drives on the highways of Virginia any motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968, shall ensure that any child, up to age eight, whom he transports therein is provided with and properly secured in a child restraint device of a type which meets the standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation. Such child restraint device shall not be forward-facing until at least (i) the child reaches two years of age or (ii) the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device. Further, child restraint devices shall be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the event the vehicle does not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front passenger seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side airbag or the passenger side airbag has been deactivated.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":308032,"text":"Any person transporting another person less than 18 years old, except for those required pursuant to subsection A to be secured in a child restraint device, shall ensure that such person is provided with and properly secured by an appropriate safety belt system when driving on the highways of Virginia in any motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968, equipped or required by the provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":308033,"text":"A violation of this section shall not constitute negligence, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages in a civil action.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":308034,"text":"A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons form.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":308035,"text":"Nothing in this section shall apply to any person operating taxicabs, school buses, executive sedans, or limousines. The provisions of (i) subsection B shall not apply to any person operating an emergency medical services agency vehicle, fire company vehicle, fire department vehicle, or law-enforcement agency vehicle while in the performance of his official duties and (ii) subsection A shall not apply to any person operating any such vehicle in the performance of his official duties, under exigent circumstances, provided that no child restraint device is readily available.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15079,"edition_id":1,"name":"Child Restraints","identifier":"13","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12828,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:52:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:52:03","permalink":{"id":228777,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15079,"identifier":"13","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/13\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12828,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228599,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12828,"identifier":"10","token":"46.2\/III\/10","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":86011,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1095","catch_line":"Child restraint devices required when transporting certain children; safety belts for passengers less than 18 years old required","url":"\/46.2-1095\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1095","metadata":false},{"id":61124,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1096","catch_line":"Exceptions for certain children","url":"\/46.2-1096\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1096","metadata":false},{"id":71250,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1097","catch_line":"Child restraint devices; special fund created","url":"\/46.2-1097\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1097","metadata":false},{"id":65037,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1098","catch_line":"Penalties; violations not negligence per se","url":"\/46.2-1098\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1098","metadata":false},{"id":82626,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1099","catch_line":"Further exemptions","url":"\/46.2-1099\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1099","metadata":false},{"id":57490,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1100","catch_line":"Use of standard seat belts permitted for certain children","url":"\/46.2-1100\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1100","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":61124,"structure_id":15079,"section_number":"46.2-1096","catch_line":"Exceptions for certain children","url":"\/46.2-1096\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1096","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1095\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1982. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 634 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1982 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1984, chapter 280; in 1986, chapter 283; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1992, chapters 119 and 405; in 1997, chapter 793<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 736<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 358<\/a>, 616<\/a>, and 660<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 91<\/a> and 935<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 661<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 402<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 196<\/a> and 319<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":77926,"section_number":"22.1-289.031","catch_line":"Child day center operated by religious institution exempt from licensure; annual statement and documentary evidence required; enforcement; injunctive relief","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-289.031\/"},{"id":76516,"section_number":"46.2-1094","catch_line":"Occupants of front seats of motor vehicles required to use safety lap belts and shoulder harnesses; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1094\/"},{"id":65037,"section_number":"46.2-1098","catch_line":"Penalties; violations not negligence per se","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1098\/"},{"id":61788,"section_number":"46.2-334.01","catch_line":"Licenses issued to persons less than 18 years old subject to certain restrictions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-334.01\/"},{"id":76226,"section_number":"46.2-334.02","catch_line":"Licenses issued to persons less than twenty years old subject to certain restrictions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-334.02\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":228779,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86011,"identifier":"46.2-1095","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1095","url":"\/46.2-1095\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1095\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/13\/46.2-1095","dublin_core":{"Title":"Child restraint devices required when transporting certain children; safety belts for passengers less than 18 years old required","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1095","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any person who drives on the highways<\/span><\/span> of Virginia any motor vehicle<\/span> manufactured after January 1, 1968, shall ensure that any child, up to age eight, whom he transports therein is provided with and properly secured in a child restraint device of a type which meets the standards adopted by the United States Department<\/span> of Transportation. Such child restraint device shall not be forward-facing until at least (i) the child reaches two years of age or (ii) the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device. Further, child restraint devices shall be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the event the vehicle does not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front passenger seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side airbag or the passenger side airbag has been deactivated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person transporting another person less than 18 years old, except for those required pursuant to subsection A to be secured in a child restraint device, shall ensure that such person is provided with and properly secured by an appropriate safety belt system when driving on the highways<\/span><\/span> of Virginia in any motor vehicle<\/span> manufactured after January 1, 1968, equipped or required by the provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder<\/span> harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A violation of this section shall not constitute negligence<\/span>, be considered in mitigation of damages<\/span> of whatever nature, be admissible<\/span> in evidence<\/span> or be the subject of comment by counsel<\/span> in any action for the recovery of damages<\/span> in a civil action<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons<\/span> form. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall apply to any person operating taxicabs, school buses, executive sedans, or limousines. The provisions of (i) subsection B shall not apply to any person operating an emergency medical services agency vehicle, fire company vehicle, fire department<\/span> vehicle, or law<\/span>-enforcement agency vehicle while in the performance of his official duties and (ii) subsection A shall not apply to any person operating any such vehicle in the performance of his official duties, under exigent circumstances, provided that no child restraint device is readily available. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCHILD RESTRAINT DEVICES REQUIRED WHEN TRANSPORTING CERTAIN CHILDREN; SAFETY\nBELTS FOR PASSENGERS LESS THAN 18 YEARS OLD REQUIRED (\u00a7 46.2-1095)\n\nA. Any person who drives on the highways of Virginia any motor vehicle\nmanufactured after January 1, 1968, shall ensure that any child, up to age\neight, whom he transports therein is provided with and properly secured in a\nchild restraint device of a type which meets the standards adopted by the United\nStates Department of Transportation. Such child restraint device shall not be\nforward-facing until at least (i) the child reaches two years of age or (ii) the\nchild reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint\ndevice as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device. Further, child restraint\ndevices shall be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the event the vehicle\ndoes not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front\npassenger seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side\nairbag or the passenger side airbag has been deactivated.\n\nB. Any person transporting another person less than 18 years old, except for\nthose required pursuant to subsection A to be secured in a child restraint\ndevice, shall ensure that such person is provided with and properly secured by\nan appropriate safety belt system when driving on the highways of Virginia in\nany motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968, equipped or required by\nthe provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system,\nconsisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar\ndevices.\n\nC. A violation of this section shall not constitute negligence, be considered in\nmitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence or be the\nsubject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages in a\ncivil action.\n\nD. A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons\nform.\n\nE. Nothing in this section shall apply to any person operating taxicabs, school\nbuses, executive sedans, or limousines. The provisions of (i) subsection B shall\nnot apply to any person operating an emergency medical services agency vehicle,\nfire company vehicle, fire department vehicle, or law-enforcement agency vehicle\nwhile in the performance of his official duties and (ii) subsection A shall not\napply to any person operating any such vehicle in the performance of his\nofficial duties, under exigent circumstances, provided that no child restraint\ndevice is readily available.\n\nHISTORY: 1982, c. 634, \u00a7 46.1-314.2; 1984, c. 280; 1986, c. 283; 1989, c. 727;\n1992, cc. 119, 405; 1997, c. 793; 2000, c. 736; 2002, cc. 358, 616, 660; 2007,\ncc. 91, 935; 2010, c. 661; 2018, c. 402; 2019, cc. 196, 319.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}