Bill > HB2170

This bill modifies Missouri's child passenger restraint system laws to enhance child safety during vehicle transportation. The bill updates requirements for securing children of different ages and sizes in appropriate restraint systems, including mandating that children under three years old must be in rear-facing car seats until they reach the manufacturer's maximum height or weight for rear-facing use. For children under four years old, regardless of weight, a child passenger restraint system is required. Children under eight years old and weighing less than forty pounds must also be in an appropriate child restraint system. Children between four and eight years old who weigh forty pounds or more must be in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat. Once children reach eighty pounds, are over four feet nine inches tall, or are at least eight years old, they can use a standard vehicle safety belt. The bill allows for dismissal of citations if a driver provides evidence of acquiring an appropriate child restraint system before their court hearing. Violations can result in fines up to fifty dollars, and the law does not apply to public carriers or school buses. The state's highways and transportation commission is tasked with developing a public information program to ensure understanding and compliance with these new provisions.

Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2170&year=2026&code=R