Connecticut Car Seat Laws in 2022

In 2022, the CT car seat laws will change. Currently, all children younger than 8 years old must be restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat while riding in a vehicle. In 2022, this age requirement will increase to 9 years old. This change was made based on new research that shows that children who are 9 years old and older are better able to stay seated in a car seat or booster seat without needing additional support.

What are the penalties?

If you are caught driving without a child in a car seat or booster seat, you will be fined $50 for the first offense. For each subsequent offense, the fine increases to $100. If you are stopped by law enforcement and a child under the age of 16 is not properly restrained, you will be issued a warning for the first offense. For each subsequent offense, you will be fined $50.

Connecticut Forward-facing car seat law

As of January 2022, all children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat while riding in a motor vehicle. This law applies to both passenger vehicles and booster seats. Children who are two years old or older may ride in a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness, but only if they weigh less than 40 pounds. All car seats must be properly installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Connecticut Booster Seat Law

In the state of Connecticut, all children under the age of four must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat while riding in a motor vehicle. All children between the ages of four and seven must be secured in a booster seat.

The use of a booster seat is required until a child reaches either 57 inches tall or 60 pounds. After a child outgrows a booster seat, they must use a seat belt and sit in the backseat of the car until they are 13 years old.

Connecticut rear-facing car seat safety law

It will change in 2022. The new law will require all children under the age of two to be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat. This is a major change from the current child passenger safety laws, which only require children under the age of one to be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.

The rationale behind the change is that it is safer for young children to be in a rear-facing car seat. Studies have shown that rear-facing car seats are much more effective at protecting young children in the event of a collision.

Leaving the Child Unattended in the Car

In the state of Connecticut, it is illegal to leave a child under the age of 12 unattended in a motor vehicle. If you are caught doing so, you will be fined $500 for the first offense. For each subsequent offense, the fine increases to $1000.

Is smoking illegal in cars?

Yes, it is illegal to smoke in a car with a child under the age of 16. If you are caught smoking in a car with a child present, you will be fined $100 for the first offense. For each subsequent offense, the fine increases to $200.

Taxi Seat Law in Connecticut

All children under the age of four must be properly secured in a convertible car seat car seat while riding in a taxi. All children between the ages of four and seven must be secured in a booster seat. The use of a booster seat is required until a child reaches either 57 inches tall or 60 pounds. After a child outgrows a booster seat, they must use a seat belt and sit in the backseat of the car.

FAQ:

Can a 5 year old sit in a booster seat?

Yes, a child who is five years old or younger can ride in a booster seat as long as they weigh less than 40 pounds.

How much does a child have to weigh to sit in the front seat near Connecticut?

A child must be at least 13 years old to sit in the front seat of a car. If they are under 13, they must sit in the backseat.

What is CT law for booster seats?

All children under the age of four must be properly secured in a car seat while riding in a motor vehicle. All children between the ages of four and seven must be secured in a booster seat. The use of a booster seat is required until a child reaches either 57 inches tall or 60 pounds. After a child outgrows a booster seat, they must use a seat belt and sit in the backseat of the car.