Did you know that in Colorado motor vehicle injuries account for nearly one in every ten injuries suffered by children under the age of 9?
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Use of seat belts are an important step in reducing those rates of injury.
Colorado Car Seat Law
According to Colorado law, every child under the age of 8 should travel with a proper child protection system.
“Every child who is under eight years of age and who is being transported in this state in a motor vehicle or in a vehicle operated by a childcare center shall be properly restrained in a child restraint system, according to the manufacturer's instructions.” (Source)
Colorado Rear-facing Car Seat Law
According to Colorado law, children younger than 12 months and weigh less than 20 pounds should travel in rear-facing car seats.
Colorado Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Between the age of 1 and 4, children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds are supposed to be secured in forward-facing (or rear-facing if they are under the height and weight limit) seats.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Colorado
Colorado Law requires children to be in boosters until they are 8 years old. However, best practice and the safest recommendation is to keep children in a booster seat until they are about 4-feet 9-inches tall - which is the average 12 year old.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Colorado?
According to Colorado law, if your child is 1 year or older and weigh more than 20 pounds, it’s legal for them to stay in the front seat. But it is not recommended. You should use an appropriate child restraint system until the age of 15. Please refer to the manufacturer manual to choose the right system. After the age of 15, if the car’s seat belt feels secure, your children can sit in the front seat.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Colorado
It is not a crime to leave children in the car alone. However, since 1998, 7 children have died in hot cars. It is recommended by experts to not leave the children in the cars alone.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Colorado?
Private vehicles are exempt from smoking ban unless they are used for the transportation of children.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Colorado
Taxis are exempt from child safety laws as we see in this section:
“This section does not apply to a child who:
Is being transported in a motor vehicle that is operated in the business of transporting persons for compensation or hire by or on behalf of a common carrier or a contract carrier as those terms are defined in section 40-10.1-101, C.R.S., or an operator of a luxury limousine service as defined in section 40-10.1-301, C.R.S.
Law Car Seat - Replacement After Colorado
It is always a good idea to replace your car seat after a crash. Colorado law wants you to refer to the seat manufacturer to understand the recommendations. (Source)
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Colorado
Good Car Seat Safety Videos for Colorado Parents
Colorado Department of Transportation Child Passenger Safety Tips and Guidelines
5 Things to Know About Car Seats
Car Seat Safety – Safe Car TV
How to Install a Car Seat
Car seat check
Resources for More Info on Colorado Car Seat Safety
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
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