What is the new car seat law in Colorado?
In a move to enhance child safety on Colorado's roads, the state has recently implemented a new car seat law that aims to provide better protection for young passengers. This updated legislation, which came into effect on January 1, 2023, introduces stricter requirements for the use of car seats and booster seats, ensuring that children are properly secured during vehicle travel.
Key Changes in the New Car Seat Law
The new car seat law in Colorado introduces the following key changes:
- Rear-Facing Requirement: Children under the age of 2 must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height and weight limit for their rear-facing seat. This is a significant change from the previous law, which only required rear-facing seating until age 1.
- Booster Seat Requirement: Children must use a booster seat until they reach 4'9" tall or 8 years old, whichever comes first. The previous law only required booster seats until age 8.
- Exemptions: The new law provides limited exemptions for children with certain medical conditions or physical disabilities that prevent the use of a car seat or booster seat.
These updates align Colorado's car seat requirements with the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which emphasize the importance of keeping children in rear-facing seats and using booster seats for longer periods to ensure their safety.
Rationale and Benefits of the New Law
The primary goal of the new car seat law in Colorado is to reduce the risk of injury and fatality for young passengers in the event of a collision. Rear-facing car seats provide superior protection for a child's head, neck, and spine, which are more vulnerable in a crash. Similarly, booster seats help position the vehicle's seatbelt correctly on a child's body, reducing the risk of abdominal and chest injuries.
By extending the requirements for rear-facing seats and booster seats, the new law aims to keep children safer on Colorado's roads. Studies have shown that the use of car seats and booster seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. The updated legislation is expected to contribute to a decrease in the number of child fatalities and serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes in the state.
Compliance and Enforcement
The new car seat law in Colorado is enforceable by law enforcement, and parents or caregivers who fail to comply may face fines and penalties. However, the state also recognizes the financial burden that the new requirements may place on some families. To address this, Colorado has implemented a car seat assistance program that provides free or low-cost car seats to eligible families, helping to ensure that all children have access to the necessary safety equipment.
Overall, the updated car seat law in Colorado represents a significant step forward in protecting the state's youngest and most vulnerable road users. By prioritizing child safety and aligning with the latest safety recommendations, the new legislation aims to make Colorado's roads safer for families and their children.
When can kids stop using a booster seat?
Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.
What are the height and weight requirements for a booster seat in Colorado?
Up to eight years old. A child who weighs at least 40 pounds should transition to a booster seat, as long as he or she is tall enough to meet the booster seat's requirements. The child should stay in a booster seat until he or she is eight years old and at least 4'9.” Ages 8 to 15.
What kind of car seat should a 40 lb child be in?
booster seat
A child in a booster seat will always face forward and will be using the vehicle's provided seat belt. Many booster seats have a minimum weight limit of 40 lb, a minimum height requirement of 44 inches and/or a minimum age limit of at least 4 years old.
What is the new booster seat law in Colorado?
Key Child Passenger Safety Law Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2025: Booster seats: Children must now use a car seat or booster seat until they are 9 years old (previously under 8 years old)
When can my child be in a backless booster?
Children must be at least 4 years old, between 40-110 pounds and 38-57 inches tall in order to use a backless booster seat. Always check the product manual for specific weight and height requirements as they can vary by product and manufacturer.
What age and weight can you stop using a car seat?
In the United States, the general guideline is that a child can stop using a booster seat when they reach: Age: Typically around 8 to 12 years old, depending on the state laws and the child's size. Height: At least 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches) tall. Weight: Generally, children should weigh at least 80 pounds.
Can a 7 year old sit in the front seat in Colorado?
Colorado law stipulates that children younger than 1 year and lighter than 20 pounds must ride in the back seat; however, the safest practice is to keep children in the back seat until they turn 13.
When to switch to booster seat?
Booster Seat
- 4 – 7 Years. Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer.
- 8 – 12 Years. Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.
When can my son stop sitting in a booster seat?
8 to 12 years
Children should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly, typically when children reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Most children will not fit in a seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years of age.
What age and weight can you switch to a booster seat?
A child is ready for a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight or height limit of their forward-facing harnesses, which is typically between 40 and 65 pounds.
