Child passenger safety laws in Colorado will get more strict beginning in the new year.
The changes include:
- Booster seats: Children must now use a car seat or booster seat until they are 9 years old (previously up to 8 years old).
- Rear-facing car seats: Children younger than 2 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear seat if available (previously younger than 1 and less than 20 pounds). Children under 2 years old but weighing more than 40 pounds may use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat.
- Seat belt or car seat requirement ages: Children younger than 18 must now be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint system (previously under 16 years old).
“It’s important to remember that car seat fit is highly individualized,” said Trooper Kent Trimbach of the Colorado State Patrol and program coordinator for Car Seats Colorado. “The fit must be based on the child’s size and developmental stage, not just their age. Ensuring each car seat is properly adjusted and installed is crucial for maximizing safety.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation said it will launch an awareness campaign in January to ensure that Coloradans are aware of the new updates to the laws.
The child passenger safety laws were adopted by the Colorado Legislature through House Bill 1055, the Child Passenger Safety & Education law. Here’s more on it.
Consumer information:
If you are unable to afford a car seat for your child(ren), WeeCycle, Children’s Hospital Colorado and SafeKids Colorado Springs have programs through which families can get a free or low-cost car seat.
Learn more about how to keep children safe in vehicles and download informational resources at CarSeatsColorado.com.
About Car Seats ColoradoCar Seats Colorado is a joint effort of the Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, local car seat technicians, law enforcement, emergency services and other professionals who are dedicated to implementing child passenger safety programs and encouraging parents to take the necessary steps to protect their children when in vehicles. Learn more about how to keep children safe in vehicles and download informational resources at CarSeatsColorado.com.