New Child Restraint Laws to Take Effect October 1, 2017
The East Hartford Police Department would like to let residents know that new laws governing Child Restraint Systems (aka Car Seats) are set to take effect October 1, 2017. This new law generally raises the age and weight requirements for children using these restraints.
Under the new law:
- Rear-facing child restraints must be used for all children age 2 or less than 30 pounds, regardless of age
- Rear- or forward-facing restraints must be used for children ages 2 through 4, or weight 30 through 39 pounds, regardless of age
- Rear- or forward-facing child restraints or booster seat secured by a seat belt must be used for children ages 5 through 7 or weight 40 through 59 pounds, regardless of age
- Child restraints or seat belts must be used for children ages 8 through 15 years old and weighing 60 pounds or more.
Children who meet one of the requirements (i.e. are over the weight threshold but are younger than the age) must abide by the more restrictive requirement.
As under existing law, all child restraint systems must meet federal motor vehicle standards. A first violation is an infraction, with a second violation punishable by a fine of up to $199. Subsequent infractions are Class A misdemeanors. Everyone who commits a first or second violation must also take a DMV-approved child car seat safety course.
For more information on Child Passenger Safety visit www.ctsafekids.org/child-passenger-safety/.