Bill > HB32

This bill updates Alabama's child passenger restraint laws to enhance child safety in motor vehicles by modifying existing regulations. The bill expands and clarifies requirements for child safety seats, increasing the age and weight thresholds for different types of restraint systems. For infants, rear-facing seats are now recommended until the child is at least two years old or 35 pounds, with specific guidance for children who exceed the weight rating. Forward-facing seats are required until a child is five years old or 65 pounds, and booster seats are mandated until the child is six years old and meets specific seating criteria, such as proper seatbelt positioning and ability to sit correctly throughout a trip. The bill also introduces a graduated fine system for violations, starting at $25 for a first offense and increasing to $150 for fourth or subsequent offenses within five years. Additionally, the legislation requires law enforcement to collect statistical data on traffic stops related to these safety regulations and allocates a portion of fines to a program distributing child restraint systems to low-income families. The changes aim to improve child safety and provide clearer guidelines for parents and caregivers, with the new regulations set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

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