Car accidents are the main cause of death for children. This is why child safety in cars is so important, especially young children who should be in car seats. In regard to car seat laws in Connecticut, what do you need to know? Knowing can be the difference in your child's safety.

In 2021, there were nearly 43,000 traffic fatalities in the United States. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 3% of those fatalities were children under the age of 14, coming to 1,184. Those numbers equate to an average of 3 children being killed in car accidents every day. Over 162,000 children were hurt in accidents as well. These stats paint a clear picture that accidents are very dangerous for children. This is why it's important to know all the laws and guidelines to keep your children safe.

We will discuss Connecticut car seat laws in the following article.

However, if your child has been injured in a car accident, please get in touch with the offices of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our CT car accident lawyers can assist you with your case.

What Are Connecticut's Car Seat Laws?

The state of Connecticut lays out some very clear laws for child passenger safety. These include the following, as per Connecticut statute 14-100 (d):

• Until the age of 2 years old and 30 pounds, children must travel in a rear-facing car seat that is secured with a five-point harness.
• Until the age of 5 years old and 50 pounds, children who are at least 2 years old and 30 pounds must travel in a forward-facing car seat that is secured with a five-point harness.
• Until the age of 8 years old and 60 pounds, children who are at least 5 years old and 40 pounds must travel in either a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness or a booster seat that uses both the lap and shoulder belts.
• Children at least 8 years old and 60 pounds are no longer required to use a booster seat. However, using the safest option for longer than the law requires is good practice.
• Until they are at least 13 years old, children should always ride in the rear seat with seat belts fastened at all times.

How Long Should A Booster Seat Be Used For?

A child must use  a booster seat until they are at least 8 years old and weigh at least 60 pounds, according to Connecticut's child safety laws. But as mentioned, just because they reach these milestones doesn't mean they're ready to transition out of a booster seat. Without a booster seat, your child may still be too small to fit through a seat belt comfortably. To be sure, you can perform the following checks:

• Verify that when their back and bottom are against the back of the seat, their knees bend at the edge and that their feet can touch the ground.
• Verify that your child's shoulder, not their neck, is properly fitted for the shoulder belt.
• Verify that your child's upper thighs or hips are securely fit with the lap belt.

Not all car seats have the same measurements, so performing these checks each time your child rides in a different vehicle is important for their safety. It is safer to use a booster seat until your child is older if they are uncomfortable, their feet are off the ground, or the seat belt isn't fitting them correctly.

What Penalties Are Imposed For Those Who Violate Connecticut's Car Seat Laws?

You risk a fine of up to $199 if you are found in violation of any of the child passenger safety requirements, which include transporting children under the age of 8 without a car seat or booster seat. Additionally, a 2-hour Department of Motor Vehicles training on child passenger safety is required of you.

Compared to most other states, Connecticut has stricter car safety laws. Any violation will be added to your driving record, including a violation of child passenger safety laws.

A first or second offense against the laws for child passenger safety is regarded as a violation. A third violation is considered a crime, or misdemeanor, appearing on both your driving and criminal records.

Your driving record will include any and all violations and/or offenses, which may have an impact on your insurance.

Do I Need A CT Car Accident Lawyer?

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can help if your child was injured in a car accident, even if it was due to a faulty car seat.

Our team of dedicated CT car accident lawyers are well-versed in Connecticut's car seat laws and child safety regulations. We will manage your car, from the investigation and gathering evidence steps, to advocate for you in negotiations with insurance companies or in court. We are here for you.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation.