Can you fit a rear-facing car seat in Colorado?
Yes. In Colorado, infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the seat’s rear-facing limits, after which they transition to a forward-facing harness and, later, to a booster as appropriate. Following the state’s child passenger safety guidelines helps ensure compliance and safety.
What the law requires in Colorado
The following points summarize how Colorado regulates child restraints and rear-facing seating. This section clarifies the framework so readers understand the baseline obligations.
- All children under 8 years old must be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
- Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat for as long as the seat’s rear-facing weight and height limits allow.
- Whenever possible, children should ride in the back seat, and older children should use the rear seats when feasible for safety reasons.
Colorado’s requirements emphasize using the appropriate restraint for the child and prioritizing the rear seating for younger riders, while allowing seat manufacturers’ limits to govern how long a child stays rear-facing. Always verify current statutes and official guidance for precise language and any updates.
How to fit a rear-facing seat in your vehicle
Installing a rear-facing seat correctly depends on your specific seat model and vehicle. The following steps outline common best practices to help you achieve a secure, properly angled installation.
- Choose a rear-facing seat that fits your child’s current height/weight and is compatible with your vehicle’s seating configuration.
- Decide between LATCH anchors or the vehicle seat belt for installation, following both the car seat and vehicle manuals.
- Position the seat to achieve the recommended recline angle (often about 30–45 degrees for infants); use built-in indicators or a level if available.
- Secure the seat using the chosen method, with no more than about 1 inch of movement at the belt path when tested at the belt path.
- Ensure the harness is snug, chest clip is at armpit level, and all harness straps are correctly routed according to the seat’s instructions.
Installing a rear-facing seat correctly can vary by model and vehicle, so it’s important to consult both the seat’s manual and your vehicle’s owner manual. If you’re unsure, seek a free inspection at a local fire station, police department, hospital, or Safe Kids Coalition partner.
Tips for verifying a correct install
To help you confirm a proper installation, look for these practical checks after installation:
- The seat does not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- The harness straps lie flat and are not twisted.
- The seat remains rear-facing and maintains the correct recline angle with the child in it.
Following these checks can reduce the risk of incorrect installation and improve overall safety for the child.
Resources for Colorado families
Reliable sources provide up-to-date rules, recommendations, and local inspection services. Check these organizations for the latest information and free installation help in Colorado.
- Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) – Safe Kids Colorado and official child passenger safety guidance
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Car seat safety guidelines and general installation tips
- Local Safe Kids coalition, fire departments, or certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians for hands-on inspections
For the most current requirements and district-specific guidance, consult these resources or your local safety official.
Summary
In Colorado, you can and should use a rear-facing car seat for infants and toddlers as long as the child remains within the seat’s rear-facing limits. After outgrowing those limits, transition to a forward-facing harness and eventually to a booster as appropriate. Always install according to the seat and vehicle manuals, and seek a professional inspection if you’re unsure about the installation. Staying informed through official Colorado and national safety resources helps ensure compliance and safety for young riders.
What is the law on rear-facing car seats in Colorado?
Rear-facing car seat: Children under 2 years old and less than 40 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat. (Previously, this was for children under 1 year old and 20 pounds). Front-facing car seat: If a child is under 2 years old and weighs more than 40 pounds, they can be in a rear- or forward-facing car seat.
Do Colorado car seat laws apply to taxis/ubers?
1. Are car seats required for taxis in Denver? Yes, Colorado law requires all children under 8 years old or shorter than 4'9" to use a child car seat or booster seat in any vehicle, including taxis. 2.
Can I put my rear-facing car seat in the middle?
Middle is the recommended and safest position, since it's the least vulnerable to side impact. Even the child seat safety certified police offer mentioned the same.
Can you put any car seat rear-facing?
The current guidelines from the AAP is to rear face as long as possible for the seat that they are in, with the minimum age for forward facing being 2. What that means is that you need to look at your rear facing seat and see what the MAX height and weight are for rear facing.
