Bill > S1703

This bill amends Massachusetts law regarding child passenger safety by strengthening existing requirements for child restraint systems in vehicles. Specifically, the bill mandates that child passenger restraints must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213, which is a federal regulation establishing safety performance requirements for child restraint systems. The legislation requires that all child safety seats be properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions. It also establishes new guidelines for children's car seat usage: all infants and toddlers under 2 years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. Additionally, the bill declares a public policy recommendation that children who have outgrown their rear-facing car seats should transition to forward-facing car seats with harnesses, using them up to the maximum height and weight specifications provided by the car seat manufacturer. These provisions aim to enhance child safety during vehicle transportation by ensuring appropriate and secure use of age- and size-appropriate car seats.