What is Wisconsin's car seat and booster seat law?
Teen Drivers in Wisconsin · Barron, WI
What is Wisconsin's car seat and booster seat law?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Under Wis. Stat. 347.48, children under 1 year or under 20 lbs ride rear-facing. Children 1 to 4 years old and 20 to 40 lbs ride rear- or forward-facing in a car seat. Children 4 to 8 who weigh 40 to 80 lbs and are no taller than 57 inches ride in a car seat or booster. All of these go in a back seat when the vehicle has one.
The details
These are the legal minimums. Always follow your car seat maker's height and weight limits, too.
- Rear-facing: under 1 year or under 20 lbs.
- Forward-facing harness: at least 1 year and 20 lbs, until 4 years and 40 lbs.
- Booster: 4 to 8 years, 40 to 80 lbs, no taller than 57 inches.
- Seat belt: after that, a lap-and-shoulder belt that fits properly.
Shopping for a family vehicle? Bring your seats along and we'll help you try them in the second and third rows.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
More Teen Drivers in Wisconsin answers
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- What does a Wisconsin teen need to get a driver license?
- What are the rules for a new teen driver in Wisconsin?
- How do I pick a safe first car for a teenager?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Three-row SUVs compared
- First-time car buyer guide
- Used vehicles under $15,000
- How to check recalls by VIN
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
When can a child face forward in Wisconsin?
At least 1 year old and at least 20 lbs, per Wis. Stat. 347.48(4).
When can a Wisconsin child stop using a booster?
The booster stage covers ages 4 to 8 at 40 to 80 lbs and 57 inches or shorter. After age 8, or once past those limits, a properly fitted belt is allowed.
Does the car seat have to be in the back seat?
For the rear- and forward-facing stages, yes, if the vehicle has a back seat.
Questions? Talk to a real person
Call or stop in at either store on Highway 8 in Barron. We are happy to help, even if you are not buying today.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wis. Stat. 347.48: Safety belts and child safety restraint systems: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
- WisDOT: Child passenger safety: wisconsindot.gov