Bill > SB01146

This bill modifies existing Connecticut state law regarding child safety in motor vehicles by updating requirements for child restraint systems. The legislation mandates that children under three years of age must ride in a rear-facing child restraint system with a five-point harness, and children under five years old or weighing less than forty pounds must use a child restraint system. The bill expands previous age thresholds, changing them from "under two years" to "under three years" in several provisions. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that children must be secured in a child restraint system or booster seat that is specifically appropriate for their weight and height, and configured according to both the manufacturer's instructions and the motor vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. The law maintains penalties for non-compliance, including infractions for first violations, fines for subsequent violations, and potential license suspension for repeated non-compliance. Notably, the bill includes provisions for student transportation vehicles and specifies that children eight years or older weighing sixty or more pounds can use a standard seat safety belt. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing time for families and transportation providers to adapt to the updated safety standards.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01146&which_year=2025