As of October 1, 2017, new Child Passenger Laws for CT have been implemented:
The New Changes
- Infants – Must be in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years old AND 30 pounds.
- Toddlers – Must be in a forward facing car seat with 5 point harness until 5 years old AND 40 pounds.
- Children – Recommended to be in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt until they reach 8 years old AND 60 pounds. They should also ride in the back seat until they are 13 years old.
Other Child Passenger Rules to Keep in Mind
- Take advantage of car seat safety checks during National Child Passenger Safety Week.
- Schedule a car seat installation with a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician (especially if you’re expecting a child!).
- Do not drive until your children have their seat belt on.
- Always wear YOUR seat belt. Enforcing good habits on your child will lead them to do the same.
- Check if your child seat has been recalled from their manufacturers.The life of a car seat is from six to eight years.
- Air bags can be fatal for young children.
If you do not obey by the child car safety requirements, you can get fined and may need to complete an educational class about car seat training. To read more about this and other CT safety laws, please visit https://www.dmv.org/ct-connecticut/safety-laws.php
