Nevada seat belt laws are a bit more complex than they may seem on the surface. While wearing your seat belt is always a good idea, the laws surrounding these safety devices can be more involved than simply putting one on. These laws also occasionally change, and it’s important to keep abreast of any new regulations for those facing fines or seeking car accident compensation

As a resident of Nevada, or someone just passing through, it’s essential to understand the seat belt and car seat safety standards, so you’re protected by the law, and if an accident occurs. 

Below, our comprehensive guide to seat belt laws in Nevada will help you understand everything from seat belt requirements by age, to rules for the backseat and children, and penalties associated with a seat belt violation fine. 

As always, if you have been in any accident or are facing a traffic violation you believe is incorrect, give the law offices of Adam S. Kutner a call right away. We are a personal injury firm in Las Vegas, and look forward to serving your legal needs. 

Don’t wait. Time may be the essence of your case.

Schedule an appointment for a free review of your case now.

GET YOUR FREE CAR ACCIDENT CONSULTATION
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN!

    Nevada Child Car Seat Laws: A 2025 Breakdown by Age and Size

    The first, and perhaps most important thing you should know about seat belt laws in Nevada is there are different rules for different ages and weights of children. The requirements for children under 2, children aged 2 to 5, and those over 6 years old are different and must be followed, or you could face child car seat penalties. Even worse, you could hurt your child in case of an accident. 

    These rules help ensure children are safe at any age.

    Woman putting on seat belt in accordance with nevada seat belt laws

    Children Under 2: Rear-Facing Car Seat Requirements

    Children under age 2 must ride in a rear-facing restraint system in the backseat. It’s important to note, both of these requirements must be fulfilled. If there is no backseat to the automobile, like in a pickup truck, the airbag must be turned off as it can impact the car seat, harming the child. 

    There is one exception to this rule — those under 2 years old must sit in rear-facing car seats unless the child has already exceeded the manufacturer’s height/weight limit for the seat. In this case, they may sit in an approved forward-facing car seat. 

    Ages 2-5: Forward-Facing and Booster Seat Regulations 

    Children under age 6 and older than 2 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. Nevada requires a forward-facing harness or booster seat. These devices should be approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or another regulation body.

    Additionally, all children must be in a forward-facing child seat or booster seat if they are under 57 inches tall, regardless of age, even if they are older than 6. 

    Both parts of this rule are important. The child must meet both the age and height requirements to move out of a booster seat. For example, if they are older than 6 but shorter than 57 inches, they must remain in a booster seat or other approved device. 

    Ages 6 and Up: Regular Seat Belt Use

    Children may legally use a standard adult seat belt as long as they are 6 years old and weigh more than 60 lbs. At this point, no specific child restraint is mandated by Nevada law, but they must wear a seat belt. 

    Additionally Nevada recommends all children sit in the backseat of the car until they are 12 years old, as this is the safest place for them. 

    When Can a Child Use a Regular Seat Belt?

    To recap: A child can use an adult seat belt when they are at least 6 years old and weigh over 60 pounds. After this, they must be restrained by a normal seatbelt. 

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that the lap belt fit securely across the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt fits securely across the chest, not the neck. Otherwise, you could face a seat belt negligence claim. 

    Call (702) 382-0000 For a Free Consultation

    Do You Have To Wear a Seat Belt in the Backseat in Nevada?

    The short answer is yes. Everyone, including drivers, passengers in the front seat, and passengers in the back must be wearing a seat belt. This law applies to both adults and children. 

    Not wearing a seat belt in an automobile can result in a traffic citation. There are two exceptions to this rule. 

    The first is if you are medically exempt from wearing a seatbelt. These exemptions must be certified by a legitimate healthcare provider. 

    The other exception is if the automobile is exempt. This may be the case in some older vehicles. 

    What Is the Penalty for Not Wearing a Seat Belt in Nevada?

    If you are caught by the police for not wearing a seat belt, Nevada has what is called a “failure-to-wear” penalty. Generally, this is fine or a judgement of community service. 

    The fine is $25, plus expenses in some cases, for adults. However, fines for unrestrained children are often much greater, and can reach into hundreds of dollars and incur other serious penalties. 

    It’s important to note, these breaches of the law are “civil infractions” rather than misdemeanors. Civil infractions are minor violations, and are not considered serious crimes. It is also important to note, seat belt offenses for adults are called “secondary offenses.” 

    A secondary offense means you cannot be ticketed solely for not wearing a seat belt. A seat belt ticket must be accompanied by another violation, like speeding or failure to stop at a stop sign. In Nevada, the state also cannot add points to your license for a seat belt violation. 

    If you’re unsure, it’s almost always better to buckle up. The real consequences come if you’re ever in a crash. Not wearing a seat belt can, quite literally, be deadly. Traffic crashes are among the most prolific causes of death each year, and many can be prevented by wearing a safety belt. 

    Should You Fight a Seat Belt Ticket in Nevada?

    Since seat belt tickets are considered a secondary offense, they’re usually issued alongside other more serious charges. While the seat belt violation itself may carry a small fine, the other offenses that come alongside it may be major. 

    In this instance, it may be beneficial to fight a ticket. Because each situation is unique, it’s always best to discuss the circumstances with a lawyer, like a Las Vegas auto accident attorney right here at Adam S. Kutner.

    What Are the Defenses for Not Wearing a Seat Belt in Nevada?

    If you do decide to fight a seat belt citation, any good defense lawyer will take the unique circumstances of your case in hand. However, if you have received a citation for not wearing a seat belt, four defenses are most common. 

    The most common defenses include:  

    The Police Were Wrong

    This includes the officer who stopped you misidentified that you were unbuckled and said you were not buckled in when you were. It can also include mistakes made by the police, in which a passenger was unbuckled when cited.  

    The Vehicle Is Exempt

    Some vehicles are exempt from seat belt laws. These are mostly older vehicles, but some specialty vehicles are also included as well. 

    Nevada law requires that:

    • Cars made in 1968 or later must have at least two lap-style belts in the front seats.
    • Cars made in 1970 or later must have lap belts in all seats and shoulder belts in front seats.

    In general, all other cars must contain lap and shoulder belts for each seat, and they must be worn by each passenger. 

    You’re Medically Excused

    Some people have medical conditions that preclude them from wearing seatbelts. These medical issues must be certified by a reputable healthcare provider, and often must be recognized before the infraction was cited. 

    You Were Only Pulled Over for a Seat Belt Violation

    Seat belt infractions are counted only as second offenses in Nevada. This means any seat belt infraction must accompany another crime or infraction. The police may not ticket you simply for not wearing a seat belt.

    Can You Have a Jury Trial for Failure To Wear a Seat Belt in Nevada?

    No, you generally cannot have a jury trial for not wearing a seat belt. The reason is a seat belt fine is considered a “civil infraction,” not technically a serious crime. The penalties for seat belt tickets are modest fines or community service. 

    However, if you are arrested for another crime, and are issued a seat belt fine at the same time, the more serious crime may go to trial and the seat belt issue may be dismissed there.  

    Can Not Wearing a Seat Belt Be an Issue in a Personal Injury Case?

    Yes, it can. 

    If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical and other expenses. However, if you weren’t wearing a seat belt during the accident, attorneys for the opposing driver or insurance company may argue that your negligence in not wearing a seat belt is the reason you were injured. 

    It’s important to always wear your seat belt, but even if you weren’t, you may still be entitled to compensation. It’s always important to check with an attorney to see if you may be owed compensation, seat belt or not. 

    Contact us to review your case if you’re in this situation. 

    What Are the Nevada Child Car Seat Laws in 2025?

    Children Under 2 Years Old

    Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat in the back of the car. If there is no back seat of the car, as in a pickup truck, the child must be in a rear-facing car seat with the passenger airbag turned off. If, at two years, the child already outweighs the manufacturer’s requirement for the seat, they may move to a front-facing car seat as approved for their weight. 

    Older Children

    Children between 2 and 5 years old must be in an approved front-facing car seat or booster seat. They should also be in the back if able. Children should remain in this type of model until they are at least 57 inches in height. Once they are over 57 inches and at least 6, they may graduate to a regular seat belt. 

    What Are Car Seat Ticket Penalties in Nevada?

    While ignoring seat belt laws may be a civil infraction, ignoring children’s car seat laws may have harsher penalties and may even result in a misdemeanor, a criminal offense. It is essential to follow these laws strictly, both for your legal protection and for the protection of children in your care. 

    Call (702) 382-0000 For a Free Consultation

    First Offense

    For a first offense, the maximum penalty is a fine of $100 to $500, or 10 to 50 hours of community service. 

    For a first or second offense, you can reduce your potential penalties by completing a child seat education course, and having your car seat inspected. If you provide proof of completion to the court, the court may cut your penalties. 

    Note, a driver may get only one sentence reduction for completing the training and inspection.

    Second Offense

    For a second offense, you will need to pay a fine of $500 to $1,000, or do 50 to 100 hours of community service.

    Third Offense

    A third or subsequent offense results in a license suspension from 30 to 180 days.

    Are There Car Seat Law Exceptions?

    As with seat belts, there are some very limited exceptions in the case of car seats. The main exception is if a child sitting in the car seat would be more dangerous than not. The most effective way to prove this is a note from a recognized medical doctor or nurse practitioner. 

    However, any letter from the medical professionals must be present in the car at the time of the traffic stop to be effective. 

    What Are the Booster Seat Requirements in Nevada?

    Booster seats are treated as car seats in Nevada, but should be approved by a regulatory body, like the National Transportation Safety Board. 

    Do not put your children on non-approved boosters, like a stack of books or other devices not approved by an official regulatory body. 

    Do You Need a Car Seat in a Taxi in Las Vegas?

    No. While it is always a good idea to place your child in a car seat in Las Vegas or Nevada, Nevada’s traffic laws state this does not apply to public transportation. 

    If you should require a car seat for your child in a taxi or other public transportation vehicle, parents are responsible for bringing their own approved car seat, installing the car seat in the taxi, and ensuring their children are safely secured, preferably in the backseat. 

    Do You Need a Car Seat for an Uber in Las Vegas?

    Likely no. While the law is somewhat unclear if Uber, Lyft, Bolt, and other rideshare services are treated the same as taxis above, this is most likely the case. In regards to public transportation, Nevada seat belt laws do not apply.

    However, it is always a good idea to place your child in a car seat. If you would like one, the parent or guardian must provide the car seat or booster seat, make sure it is installed properly, and ensure the child is secured properly in the seat. 

    As required by Nevada law, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers are not required to provide adequate car seats for children, no matter the age. 

    Requirements may differ for policies of each rideshare company, though. For example, Uber’s policy states that parents must have an adequate car seat for all children who require one. Other rideshare services may differ. 

    Father with son in car - son is in the front seat

    When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Nevada?

    The state of Nevade recommends children sit in the backseat until they are 12 years old. 

    However, legally speaking, there are no requirements for children to be able to sit in the front seat as long as no rear seat is available. When no rear seat is available, children must still be restrained properly in the device according to their age, height, and weight. 

    Additionally, when children sit in the front seat, the airbag should be turned off. This is especially important in cases of rear-facing infant seats, as the explosion of the airbags can cause serious damage to both the child seat and the child. 

    When in doubt, place your child in the rear of the vehicle, if possible. 

    Call (702) 382-0000 For a Free Consultation

    Contact Our Nevada Car Accident Lawyers

    If you’ve been injured in a crash, and received a citation related to seat belt or child restraint violations, our team at Adam S. Kuntner, Injury Attorneys, can help. We’re always happy to provide a completely free case review, and can assist with insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. 

    We serve all of Nevada, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and Paradise, and tackle all kinds of personal injury claims related to automobiles and much more. Our firm has been awarded numerous awards from The Best of Las Vegas, including commendation for our customer service. We even offer our services in Spanish. 

    Remember, if you’re ever in doubt, buckle up. Car accidents can be life-changing experiences, and you and your loved ones have a much better chance of surviving and walking away uninjured if you’re wearing a seat belt. 

    If you have been injured, give us a call today. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get justice for your loved ones.

    Schedule an appointment with Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, today.

    FAQ

    Seat belt offenses are secondary offenses, meaning they must come with another violation. You cannot be cited for a seat belt offense alone.

    No, you can’t receive points on your license for seat belt violations in Nevada.

    Yes, and it depends on the age of the car. Cars made in 1968 or later must have at least two lap-style belts in the front seats, and cars made in 1970 or later must have lap belts in all seats and shoulder belts in front seats.

    In some cases yes, but generally only for children’s car seat offenses. In this case, you can complete a course reducing your penalties.

    Because seat belt offenses are secondary offenses, completing training courses for other offenses may also reduce penalties. 

    Yes, it is possible. Car insurance companies use all kinds of metrics to determine car insurance rates, and being cited for not wearing a seat belt may factor into their decision on your rates.

    Yes, everyone is required to wear a seat belt in Nevada, in both the front and back of the vehicle. 

    Areas We Service in Las Vegas, Nevada

    Henderson | Anthem | Summerlin | Paradise | Summerlin North | Summerlin South | Sunrise Manor | Nellis AFB | Desert Shores | Downtown South | Charleston | Richfield | Crestwood | Angel Park Ranch | Queensridge | Casa Grande Pines | Winchester |

    Adam S. Kutner reviews and testimonials

    “We were in a car accident – we were coming off of the interstate and were waiting – yielding at the exit and a car sped through the exit and smacked us in the rear.

    It was definitely scary especially because we had our baby in the car. My husband and I and our baby in the back seat. We definitely – immediately went back in and checked on her to make sure she was okay.

    We definitely had back pains my daughter had headaches. She kept holding her head and crying. It was pretty bad. I remember seeing a couple billboards and a friend of mine did say they had a pleasant experience with Adam Kutner, so we called them right up. They definitely were thorough, and you could tell just by talking to the people in the office that they genuinely cared about their clients.

    They contacted us saying you know, explain the process on how the settlement gets done and about a week after that happened we had our settlement which was great and in my opinion Adam S. Kutner is the best attorney in Las Vegas.”

    – Janae Reynolds. 5/5 Stars

    START YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
    NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN!

      Call Now! Free Consultation!

      Adam s. Kutner - las vegas car accident lawyer
      Adam S. Kutner
      PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

      With more than 34 years of experience fighting for victims of personal injury in the Las Vegas Valley, attorney Adam S. Kutner knows his way around the Nevada court system and how to get clients their settlement promptly and trouble-free.