Child Car Safetey Seat Use in Connecticut

State law requires that children in Connecticut be placed in an appropriate auto restraint system (either a car seat or booster seat) until they are over 6 years of age and weigh more than 60 pounds. If a child is 7 or older and weighs more than 60 pounds, he or she must use a seat belt when traveling in a motor vehicle. (Both age and weight requirement must be met.)

The law requires that infants remain in rear-facing seats until they are one year of age and weigh 20 pounds. State Police recommend that child safety seats for infants or small children be placed in the rear seat of all vehicles. This is to protect them from passenger side air bags that cause great force when deployed in an accident. Most vehicle manufacturers post warnings and recommendations in regards to children and front seat air bags. Please refer to the manufacturers’ recommendations.

It has been estimated that more than 90% of children are sitting in improperly installed car seats. This can result in needless injuries to children in the event of a motor vehicle accident. The Connecticut State Police conducts car seat installation inspection and car seat clinics at a number of State Police Troops throughout the state.

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