Colorado Child Passenger Safety Law

Parents and caregivers are responsible for properly restraining a child and will be ticketed if they fail to do so.

  • All safety seats should be installed and fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle owner's manual
  • Caregivers can be pulled over if their child is not properly restrained
  • Caregivers can face additional charges if the law is not followed and the child is injured

Updates to Colorado Child Passenger Safety Laws

In June 2024, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB24-1055, a new bill that updates Colorado’s child passenger safety law. These updates reflect the latest research-based recommendations on car seat, booster seat and seat belt use for children. The updates, which become effective Jan. 1, 2025, will ensure that laws keep pace with evolving best practices for car seat and booster seat use. If you have any questions on the updates to the law, please email [email protected]. 

 Current Law  New Law (effective 1/1/25)

 Rear-Facing

  • Under 1 year of age
  • Under 20 pounds
  • Must be in back seat

 Rear-Facing

  • Under 2 years of age, and less than 40 pounds
  • Must be in back seat if one is available
  • Can continue to rear-face beyond 2 years of age and 40 pounds if child restraint allows it

 Forward-Facing

  • At least 1 year of age
  • Over 20 pounds

 Forward-Facing

  • Under 2 years of age, and over 40 pounds
  • 2-4 years of age, and at least 20 pounds
  • Must be in back seat if one is available
  • Can continue to forward-face beyond 4 years of age and 40 pounds if child restraint allows it 

 Booster Seat

  • At least 4 years of age
  • Over 40 pounds

 Booster Seat

  • 4-9 years of age, AND at least 40 pounds
  • Must be in back seat if one is available
  • Can continue to use a booster seat beyond 9 years of age 

 Seat Belt

  • 8-15 years of age
  • Must fit in seat belt properly

 Seat Belt

  • 9-18 years of age
  • Must fit in seat belt properly