Car Seat Safety and VA Laws

Car Seat Safety Checks occur monthly, on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Purcellville Safety Center, hosted by the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad.


Click here to request an independent car seat check at the Purcellville Police Department headquarters.

According to the National Safety Council, car crashes are the second-leading cause of death for children under the age of 1, and the leading cause of death for kids and young adults from ages 1-24. Children require specialized protection in vehicles to keep them safe in the event of a collision. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take the time to learn how to properly use car seats, booster seats and seat belts, that meet the standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and vehicle/car seat manufacturer guidelines.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Car Seats & Booster Seat Recommendations.

Virginia Department of Health: Child Passenger Safety Information.

VDH Low Income Safety Seat Program Information.

Car Seat Safety and Installation Videos

Steps-to-Car-Seat-Safety

Virginia Law and Child Safety Seat Requirements:

Virginia Code Section: Article 13. Child Restrains, Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety

46.2-1095. Child restraint devices required when transporting certain children; safety belts for passengers less than 18 years old required.

The following requirements apply to children in transit in a motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968 on Virginia highways.

0-2 years of age: to properly be secured in a rear facing child restraint device that meets United States Department of Transportation standards and vehicle/car seat manufacturer guidelines.

2 to 8 years of age: to be properly secured in a child restraint device that meets United States Department of Transportation standards and vehicle/car seat manufacturer guidelines. 

8 to 18 years of age: to be properly secured by a safety belt system consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, a combination thereof, or similar devices.

If the motor vehicle does not have a back seat, the device may be placed in the front passenger seat ONLY if the vehicle is not equipped with a passenger airbag or the passenger airbag has been deactivated.