Car Seat Laws in North Dakota
North Dakota requires all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts.
Rear-Facing
Until age 1 AND 20 lbs (minimum); AAP recommends RF until seat limit
Follow AAP recommendations beyond legal minimum
Forward-Facing
Age 1–6 or FF seat limit
Harnessed seat required
Booster Seat
Ages 7–11 or until 4'9"
Booster seat required
Seat Belt Only
Age 12+ or 4'9"; all passengers must be belted
Seat belt must fit properly across chest and hips — not across the neck
Fine for Violations
Up to $100 per violation
⚠️ Law vs. AAP Recommendations
State law sets the legal minimum. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible within the seat's weight and height limits — often beyond the legal minimum age. Always follow the seat manufacturer's guidelines and AAP recommendations for maximum safety.
📋 Legal Source
North Dakota Century Code §39-21-41.1