If you are a parent or guardian to young children like I am, you might have come across new car seat regulations in Colorado. These new protocols come subsequent to extensive research on child safety in motor vehicles, thus we should all be aware of the following regulations that become effective January 1, 2025.
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
- 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
- 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
- 9-18 years of age
- Must fit in seat belt properly
According to House Bill 24-1055, the Colorado Department of Transportation estimates that 59% to nearly 84% of children are improperly restrained while riding in a vehicle. Not only could failure to follow these regulations put a child at risk for serious physical harm, but it could also impact their personal injury claim if the vehicle is involved in an auto accident.
Claimants have a duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate his or her damages. Insurance companies could present the argument that the claimant failed to mitigate or minimize damages by not being restrained properly, thus impacting their recovery for pain and suffering.
All Colorado motorists who drive with anyone under the age of 18 in the vehicle should be aware of the car seat regulation changes to promote child safety and to ensure the possibility of maximum recovery for injuries sustained in a car accident.
The legal staff at Malnar Injury Law are no strangers to complicated personal injury cases. If you find yourself in a situation where you need support after being involved in a car accident, call us at 719-888-9529.
If you have questions regarding HB24-1055 and the updates made to the Colorado Child Passenger Safety Laws, please reach out to me directly via phone at 719-426-3412 or via email at danielle@coautoinjury.com.
Danielle Crotser
Paralegal
Malnar Injury Law
