What are Colorado’s Car Seat Laws?

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UPDATE:

Effective January 1, 2025, there will be new laws regarding car seat, booster seat, and seat belt use for children. In June 2024, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB24-1055, a new bill that updates Colorado’s child passenger safety law. These updates reflect the latest research-based recommendations on car seat, booster seat and seat belt use for children. The updates will help ensure that laws keep pace with evolving best practices for car seat and booster seat use.

Rear-Facing:

  • Under 2 years of age, and less than 40 pounds
  • Must be in back seat if one is available
  • Can continue to rear-face beyond 2 years of age and 40 pounds if child restraint allows it

Forward-Facing:

  • Under 2 years of age, and over 40 pounds
  • 2-4 years of age, and at least 20 pounds
  • Must be in back seat if one is available
  • Can continue to forward-face beyond 4 years of age and 40 pounds if child restraint allows it

Booster Seat:

  • 4-9 years of age, AND at least 40 pounds
  • Must be in back seat if one is available
  • Can continue to use a booster seat beyond 9 years of age

Seat Belt:

  • 9-18 years of age
  • Must fit in seat belt properly

 

Safeguarding the well-being of our children is a priority that cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to traveling Colorado’s roadways. The unpredictability of accidents underscores the vital importance of adhering to car seat and child restraint laws in Colorado. In this guide, Hoffman Law Firm will provide an in-depth exploration of Colorado’s child restraint and car seat laws and requirements, offering a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and optimal practices to ensure the safety of your young passengers while driving.

Colorado’s Car Seat Laws

Colorado’s laws require that all children under the age of 15 must be securely fastened in an appropriate child restraint system when traveling in a motor vehicle. This child restraint system can encompass either a car seat, booster seat, or safety belt contingent upon the child’s age and weight (outlined below):

 

Age Less than 1 Year and Weight Less than 20 Pounds

Colorado Statute requires that infants and toddlers must be secured in a rear-facing car seat (child restraint system).

 

Age Less than 1 Year and Weight 20 to 40 Pounds

Colorado Statute requires that infants and toddlers must be secured in a rear-facing car seat (child restraint system).

 

Age 1 to 3 Years and Weight Less than 20 Pounds

Colorado Statute requires that infants and toddlers must be secured in a rear-facing car seat (child restraint system).

 

Age 1 to 3 Years and Weight 20 to 40 Pounds

Colorado law requires the child to be secured in either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat (child restraint system). Moreover, it is strongly recommended to adhere to rear-facing positioning if it is feasible, aligning with the guidelines specified by the car seat manufacturer. This practice optimally shields the child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident.

 

Age 1 to 3 Years and Weight 40+ Pounds

Colorado law requires the child to be properly secured in a forward-facing car seat or booster, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Age 4 to 7 Years and Weight 20+ Pounds

Colorado law requires the child to be properly secured in a forward-facing car seat or booster, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Children 8 to 15 Years and Weight 40+ Pounds

The child must be properly restrained in a safety belt or booster according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Key Considerations for Child Restraints

Here are a few concepts to think about when thinking about car seat laws and child restraints in vehicles:

 

Weight and Height Limits

The paramount consideration in adhering to child restraint laws is to consistently adhere to the weight and height limitations established by the car seat manufacturer. These stringent limits ensure that the child is optimally shielded during vehicular travel. If you need help finding the right car seat that is compliant with Colorado car seat laws here is a free tool from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to point you in the right direction.

 

Maximizing Rear-Facing Usage

The prolonged utilization of rear-facing car seats is the safest course of action.

 

Booster Seat Safety

During the transition to a booster seat, caregivers should be vigilant to confirm that the seatbelt securely encircles the child’s shoulder and chest, averting any possibility of improper positioning across the neck or abdomen.

 

The Back Seat Is the Safest

Whenever logistical feasibility allows, the back seat is the safest location within the vehicle for the placement of child car seats or booster seats. This positioning maximizes the safety quotient for young passengers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maintaining strict adherence to Colorado’s car seat requirements is not solely a matter of safety but also a legal imperative. The consequences for non-compliance can encompass the imposition of a citation and fines. It is advisable to prioritize the safety of your children and strictly adhere to the regulatory statutes.

 

Additional Safety Tips

In addition to compliance with Colorado’s car seat and child restraint laws, several supplementary safety measures can be undertaken to bolster the protection of your child during vehicular travel:

 

Universal Seatbelt Usage

Ensure that all passengers in the vehicle, regardless of age, are consistently buckled up with seatbelts secured at all times.

 

Vehicle Childproofing

Prudently eliminate any loose objects from the vehicle interior, which could potentially transform into projectiles in the event of an unforeseen collision. Heavier items should be stowed away in the trunk or designated cargo areas.

 

Prevent Unattended Situations

Under no circumstances should children be left unattended within a vehicle, even for brief durations. The risk of heatstroke is a pressing concern, particularly during hot weather.

 

Recall Vigilance

Periodically monitor your child’s car seat for any recalls or safety-related notifications to ensure ongoing adherence to stringent safety standards.

The car seat and child restraint laws in Colorado have been crafted to provide the highest level of protection to our most cherished passengers: our children. By selecting the appropriate car seat or booster seat in alignment with your child’s age, weight, and height, you can furnish them with the optimal level of protection in the event of an unforeseen vehicular accident.

 

The paramount directive is to prioritize safety, not only as a matter of parental responsibility but also in recognition of the potential legal ramifications associated with non-compliance. Stay well-informed, implement best practices, and steadfastly prioritize the safety of your children while navigating Colorado’s roads. Safe travels are built on a foundation of secure child transportation practices – may your journeys always be safeguarded!