Did you know that that only 69.1%, of Montanans reported wearing a seat belt in a recent survey? That’s well below the national average of 85%. And it’s estimated that car crash deaths cost Montana $299 million in one year.
So buckle up and keep you and your kids safe! We’ve got some info below to help you do just that.
Montana Car Seat Law
Montana law states: “If a child under 6 years of age and weighing less than 60 pounds is a passenger in a motor vehicle, that motor vehicle must be equipped with one child safety restraint for each child in the vehicle and each child must be properly restrained. The child safety restraint must be appropriate for the height and weight of the child as indicated by manufacturer standards.”
Montana Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Montana regulations outline the base law of using a child restraint system until the age of 6 and a weight limit of 60 pounds. We can interpret this law according to expert recommendations; a rear-facing car seat should be used until the child is within the height and weight limit of the seat.
Montana Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Children who exceed the height and weight limit of rear-facing car seats must travel in forward-facing seats. These seats are required to use by children who are 2 to 4 years old and between 40 and 80 pounds.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Montana
Although Montana law says a child restrain system should be used until age 6, it’s not aligned with safest practices. When a child outgrows the forward-facing car seat, they should travel in a booster seat until the age of 8 and 4'9" height.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Montana?
Children will ride in the back seat until the age of 13 in Montana.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Montana
Although there is no law in Montana about leaving children alone in the vehicles, it is possible to get convicted if the child gets hurt because of negligent behavior.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Montana?
There isn’t any law in this state that would make smoking illegal with a child passenger.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Montana
According to 37.95.132, subsection 9, "No child shall be left unattended in a vehicle."
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Montana
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
Good Car Seat Videos for Montanan Parents
Child Passenger Safety - 5 Step Test
Car Seat save lives
How to Install a Car Seat
Installing a Car Seat Properly
Infant car seat installation
Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt
Rear-Facing Convertible with Seat Belt
High-Back Booster Seat
Using a Backless Booster Seat
What to Do - Booster Seat PSA
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
Child Passenger Safety - 5 Step Test
The Inch Test
Counterfeit Car Seats
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Montana
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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