Child restraint exceptions and fines — Rhode Island Permit Test

A child under 8 may ride outside a rear seat when the vehicle has no back seat, such as a pickup truck or sports car.

A family with only a two-seat truck would have no legal way to drive a child anywhere.

Children under age eight (8) years old are exempt from being transported in any ear seating position if:

A child under 8 may also ride outside the rear when every rear seat is already taken by other children; then the oldest child should take the front seat.

The smallest child in the front is the one most hurt by a dashboard or an airbag.

all rear seating positions are already being utilized by other children.

The fine for a child in the front seat, or a child not in a required child restraint, is $85.

A higher fine than an adult belt ticket marks how badly a small child can be hurt.

Penalty: The fine, after a violation is sustained, for a child riding in the front seat or for a child over age seven (7) years not in a child restraint system is $85.00.

A ticket for carrying a child who is not in a child restraint system requires a court appearance.

A mailed-in fine would let a driver keep risking a child without facing a judge.

A violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint system mandates a court appearance.

When may a child under 8 ride in a seat that is not in the rear?

When the vehicle has no back seat. A family with only a two-seat truck would have no legal way to drive a child anywhere. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.26: “Children under age eight (8) years old are exempt from being transported in any ear seating position if:”