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Virginia: Seat belts and child safety

Virginia’s seat belt law, child safety seats and booster seats by age, and air bags. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.

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Seat belts and child safety — Part 1

Questions in this part include: “Under Virginia law, who must wear safety belts?”

17 questions≈ 7 min
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Seat belts and child safety — Part 2

Questions in this part include: “Who must carry the physician’s signed statement for a child who has a child restraint waiver?”

16 questions≈ 6 min
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All 33 Seat belts and child safety questions with answers

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  1. Under Virginia law, who must wear safety belts?

    • The driver and all passengers, both front and rear
    • Only the driver and front seat passengers
    • Only the driver and passengers under age 18
    • Only passengers sitting in the front seat
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The driver and all passengers, both front and rear

    Virginia law requires the driver and every passenger, front and rear, to wear a safety belt.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  2. A driver transporting anyone younger than what age must make sure that person is properly secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat, wherever he or she sits?

    • 14
    • 16
    • 18
    • 21
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 18

    The driver must ensure anyone younger than 18 is secured, no matter where that person is seated.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  3. How should you wear a lap belt?

    An empty driver's seat seen through the open door, with a lap-and-shoulder seat belt hanging unbuckled on the door pillar
    • High across your stomach
    • Low on your lap and against your thighs
    • Loosely around your hips so you can move
    • Across your ribs, above your waist
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Low on your lap and against your thighs

    The lap belt belongs low on your lap and against your thighs.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  4. How should you wear a shoulder belt?

    An empty driver's seat seen through the open door, with a lap-and-shoulder seat belt hanging unbuckled on the door pillar
    • Under your arm and across your ribs
    • Behind your back and across your lap
    • Across your neck and over your stomach
    • Over your shoulder and across your chest
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Over your shoulder and across your chest

    The shoulder belt goes over your shoulder and across your chest, never behind your back or under your arm.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  5. How should your shoulder and lap belts fit?

    An empty driver's seat seen through the open door, with a lap-and-shoulder seat belt hanging unbuckled on the door pillar
    • Snug
    • Loose enough to move freely
    • Loose enough to lean forward
    • Loose across the chest, tight at the lap
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Snug

    The manual says both belts should be snug.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  6. How should a pregnant woman wear a safety belt?

    An empty driver's seat seen through the open door, with a lap-and-shoulder seat belt hanging unbuckled on the door pillar
    • Across the upper stomach
    • Over the widest part of the belly
    • As low on the pelvis as possible
    • Across the lower ribs
    Show answer

    Correct answer: As low on the pelvis as possible

    Pregnant women are much safer when the belt is worn as low on the pelvis as possible.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  7. A licensed physician may grant a waiver of the seat belt requirement when:

    • The person is only riding in the back seat of the vehicle
    • A physical or medical condition makes a belt unreasonable
    • The person says that safety belts are uncomfortable to wear
    • The trip is only a short drive close to home
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A physical or medical condition makes a belt unreasonable

    A physician may grant a waiver if safety belt use is not reasonable due to the driver’s or passenger’s physical or medical condition.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  8. What must a person granted a seat belt waiver carry?

    • A waiver card issued by the DMV
    • A court order allowing the exemption
    • A signed letter from the driver’s employer
    • The physician’s signed written statement
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The physician’s signed written statement

    The person must carry the physician’s signed statement identifying the person and the reason for the waiver.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 26 · Open this page in the manual

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  9. If your vehicle has air bags, how far from the steering wheel should you sit, at least?

    A belted driver sitting behind the steering wheel, with an arrow and a question mark marking the space between his chest and the wheel
    • Ten inches
    • Four inches
    • Six inches
    • Fifteen inches
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Ten inches

    The manual says to move your seat back so you are at least ten inches from the steering wheel.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  10. If your vehicle has air bags and your steering wheel is adjustable, how should you tilt it?

    The front of a car's interior seen from the back seat: the dashboard, the steering wheel and the two front seats
    • Upward, to point the air bag at your head
    • Upward, to keep the air bag away from your chest
    • Downward, to point the air bag at your chest
    • Do not move it; steering wheel position does not matter
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Downward, to point the air bag at your chest

    Tilting the wheel downward points the air bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  11. Where are children ages 12 and under safer when your vehicle has air bags?

    Top-down cutaway of a blue car with the roof removed. The dashboard and steering wheel are at the top; two gray front seats and a gray rear bench seat are all empty.
    • In the front seat, beside an adult
    • Buckled up in the back seat
    • On a parent’s lap in the front seat
    • In the front seat with a lap belt only
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Buckled up in the back seat

    The manual says children ages 12 and under are safer buckled up in the back seat.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  12. When used properly with safety belts, air bags keep which parts of the body from hitting the steering column or dashboard?

    The front of a car's interior seen from the back seat: the dashboard, the steering wheel and the two front seats
    • The knees, feet and legs
    • The hands, wrists and arms
    • The shoulders, hips and back
    • The head, neck and chest
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The head, neck and chest

    An air bag cushions the head, neck and chest so they do not hit the steering column or dashboard.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  13. All children under what age must be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat?

    • Age 8
    • Age 4
    • Age 6
    • Age 10
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Age 8

    Virginia requires every child under age 8 to be in a child safety seat or booster seat.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  14. The child safety seat or booster seat requirement applies to vehicles manufactured after which date?

    • January 1, 1958
    • January 1, 1978
    • January 1, 1968
    • January 1, 1988
    Show answer

    Correct answer: January 1, 1968

    The requirement covers vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  15. Children should ride rear facing from birth to what age, or as long as the safety seat manufacturer allows?

    • 1 year
    • 2 years
    • 4 years
    • 6 months
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 2 years

    The manual says children should ride rear facing from birth to 2 years or as long as the manufacturer allows.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  16. When may a rear facing child seat be placed in the front passenger seat?

    Top-down cutaway of a blue car with the roof removed. The dashboard and steering wheel are at the top; two gray front seats and a gray rear bench seat are all empty.
    • The back seat is full, even if the air bag is on
    • Whenever the child is fussy in the back seat
    • Whenever the passenger air bag is turned on
    • No back seat, and no passenger air bag or it is off
    Show answer

    Correct answer: No back seat, and no passenger air bag or it is off

    This is allowed only if the vehicle has no back seat and either has no passenger air bag or has it turned off.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  17. According to the manual, children should ride facing forward in a child safety seat or booster seat until at least age 8, or until they can do what?

    Cutaway of a car's back seat with an empty child booster seat on the seat cushion and the car's seat belt hanging loose beside it.
    • Attain a proper seat belt fit
    • Ride only on short trips
    • Have a parent sit beside them
    • Buckle the belt alone
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Attain a proper seat belt fit

    Children should ride facing forward in a child safety seat or booster seat until at least age 8, or until they can attain a proper seat belt fit.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  18. Which is one of the criteria for a child to sit without a booster seat?

    Cutaway of a car's back seat with an empty child booster seat on the seat cushion and the car's seat belt hanging loose beside it.
    • Lap belt lies across the stomach
    • Shoulder belt rests across the neck
    • Lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs
    • Feet are able to dangle above the floor
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs

    One criterion is that the lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  19. To sit without a booster seat, where must a child be able to keep his or her knees naturally bent?

    Cutaway of a car's back seat with an empty child booster seat on the seat cushion and the car's seat belt hanging loose beside it.
    • Against the back of the front seat
    • Over the edge of the seat
    • Under the dashboard in front of them
    • Behind the lap belt across the thighs
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Over the edge of the seat

    A child must be able to keep knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  20. A licensed physician may grant a waiver of the child restraint law when using a restraint would be unreasonable because of:

    • The length of the trip or the time of day
    • The child’s dislike of the restraint or seat type
    • The number of passengers or the type of vehicle
    • The child’s weight, physical fitness or medical reasons
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The child’s weight, physical fitness or medical reasons

    The waiver covers cases where a restraint is unreasonable due to the child’s weight, physical fitness or other medical reasons.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  21. Who must carry the physician’s signed statement for a child who has a child restraint waiver?

    • The person transporting the child
    • The licensed physician who signed it
    • The child’s school, in the student file
    • The DMV, which keeps it on file
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The person transporting the child

    The person responsible for transporting the child must carry the signed statement naming the child and the grounds for the waiver.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  22. Who is responsible for making sure that children in a vehicle are properly secured?

    • The adult sitting next to the child
    • The child’s parents, even if not in the vehicle
    • The driver
    • The person who owns the child safety seat
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The driver

    The manual says the driver is responsible for making sure children are properly secured.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  23. What is the fine if you are convicted of violating the child restraint law?

    • $25
    • $50
    • $75
    • $150
    Show answer

    Correct answer: $50

    A conviction for violating the child restraint law brings a $50 fine.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  24. For a second or subsequent child restraint law offense, what penalty could you face?

    • $150
    • $300
    • $750
    • $500
    Show answer

    Correct answer: $500

    A second or subsequent offense could mean a $500 penalty.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  25. Where is the safest place to install a child safety seat?

    Top-down cutaway of a blue car with the roof removed. The dashboard and steering wheel are at the top; two gray front seats and a gray rear bench seat are all empty.
    • In the center of the back seat
    • In the front passenger seat
    • Behind the driver
    • Behind the front passenger
    Show answer

    Correct answer: In the center of the back seat

    The manual says the center of the back seat is the safest place for a child safety seat.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  26. What does the manual suggest to make sure your child’s safety seat is installed correctly?

    • Ask a driver training school instructor
    • Have it inspected at a DMV customer service center
    • Attend a child safety seat check held in your area
    • Install it again after every trip
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Attend a child safety seat check held in your area

    Child safety seat checks are held in localities across Virginia, and the manual urges attending one to confirm correct installation.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  27. What may happen to a child you hold in your lap during a crash?

    An adult in the back seat of a car holding a baby in their arms, with no child seat in the car.
    • The child may be thrown out by the safety belt
    • The child may be crushed against the dashboard or seat
    • The child is protected as long as an air bag is present
    • The child is safe if you wear your lap belt around both
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The child may be crushed against the dashboard or seat

    The manual says never to hold a child in your lap because the child may be crushed between your body and the dashboard or the back of the seat.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  28. Before driving with children, what should you make sure about all car doors?

    • They are closed but left unlocked
    • They are unlocked in case of an emergency
    • They are open a few inches for fresh air
    • They are securely closed and locked
    Show answer

    Correct answer: They are securely closed and locked

    All car doors should be securely closed and locked before driving.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  29. If your car is equipped with a child safety lock, what should you do?

    • Turn it on
    • Leave it off so doors open easily
    • Use it only on long trips
    • Use it only with children in front
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Turn it on

    The manual says to turn the child safety lock on.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  30. If you must open a door while traveling with children, what should you do?

    • Slow down and open it while the vehicle rolls
    • Ask an adult passenger to open it while you drive on
    • Pull the vehicle off the road and come to a complete stop
    • Turn on your flashers and open it at a low speed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Pull the vehicle off the road and come to a complete stop

    You must pull off the road and stop completely before a door is opened.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  31. Where should children never be allowed to ride?

    • In a child safety seat in the back seat
    • In the luggage area of a hatchback, station wagon or van
    • In a booster seat in the center of the back seat
    • In the back seat wearing a safety belt
    Show answer

    Correct answer: In the luggage area of a hatchback, station wagon or van

    The manual says never to let children ride in the luggage area of hatchbacks, station wagons or vans.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  32. What should you never do when a child is riding in the back seat of a hatchback?

    • Close the hatchback
    • Lock the doors
    • Turn on the child safety lock
    • Leave the hatchback open
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Leave the hatchback open

    The manual says never to leave a hatchback open when a child is riding in the back seat.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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  33. Under what age is it illegal to transport children in the bed of a pickup truck, even if it has a camper shell?

    • Age 16
    • Age 12
    • Age 14
    • Age 18
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Age 16

    It is illegal to transport children under age 16 in a pickup truck bed, even with a camper shell.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 27 · Open this page in the manual

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