AL HB265

Increases age and weight requirements for rear-facing infant car seats from one year/20 pounds to two years/35 pounds, with exception for infants exceeding weight rating but under 35 pounds.

Increases forward-facing seat requirements from 40 pounds to 65 pounds, and requires belt-positioning booster seats until child is at least six years of age and meets four specified physical fit conditions.

Establishes escalating fines for violations: $25 first offense, $50 second offense within five years, $100 third offense, and $150 for subsequent offenses within five years.

Allows trial judges to dismiss first violation charges upon proof of acquiring an appropriate child passenger restraint system.

Requires $15 of each fine to be distributed as vouchers for child restraint systems to low-income families through the Department of Public Health, and mandates police departments track traffic stops by race.