Colorado Car Seat Laws: A Guide (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- Colorado requires car seats or booster seats, depending on age and size
- Breaking car seat laws can result in a fine and a traffic infraction
- The infraction may be dismissed if you remedy the issue by your court date
Riding in a car comes with risks for everyone. However, children are uniquely vulnerable to injury because of their small size. To protect them from harm, Colorado has implemented car seat laws for minors.
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Colorado Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Each state sets its own car seat laws, but these laws are generally fairly similar from state to state. In 2025, Colorado updated its car seat laws based on recent research. These are the car seat requirements by size and age:
- Under 2 Years, Under 40 Pounds: Rear-facing car seat
- Under 2 Years, Over 40 Pounds: Rear- or forward-facing car seat
- 2 to 3 Years, Under 20 Pounds: Rear-facing car seat
- 2 to 3 Years, Over 20 Pounds: Rear- or forward-facing car seat
- 4 to 8 Years, Under 40 Pounds: Rear- or forward-facing car seat
- 4 to 8 Years, Over 40 Pounds: Forward-facing car seat or booster seat
- 9 to 17 Years: Booster seat or seat belt
The law specifies that children may remain in their car seats beyond the ages mentioned as long as they meet the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
Rear-Facing, Booster and Seat Belt Transition Rules
Before transitioning to a forward-facing car seat, booster seat or seat belt, children must meet both the height and weight stipulations.
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When Children Can Sit in the Front Seat
Colorado car seat laws state that children under nine years old must ride in the back seat of the car if it is available. However, because sitting in the back seat reduces the risk of car accident injury, it’s ideal for children under 13 to ride in the back when possible.
Public Transportation and Daycare Exceptions
On buses, trains and other kinds of public transportation, children are generally exempt from legal car seat requirements. However, experts recommend using car seats when feasible to ensure children are protected.
Daycare centers must follow Colorado car seat laws unless they are transporting children in a commercial vehicle.
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Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws
If you violate Colorado car seat laws, you may be guilty of a Class B traffic infraction. Colorado typically fines violators $65 plus a $6 surcharge.
Notably, penalties for car seat violations don’t add points to your license. In some cases, the traffic infraction may be dismissed if you purchase and install an appropriate car seat and provide proof by your court date.
Legal Help for Defective Car Seats or Injuries
Has your child been injured by a defective car seat? A Colorado personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Fill out our form below to start getting matched with nearby attorneys today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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You won’t face arrest for violating car seat laws alone. However, if you are endangering your child in other ways when you’re pulled over, you could possibly be arrested for child endangerment.
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Colorado requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts, but adults in the backseat don’t have to.
