AL HB18

Increases rear-facing car seat requirement from one year or 20 pounds to two years or 35 pounds, with provisions for children under two years exceeding infant seat weight limits.

Increases forward-facing car seat requirement from five years or 40 pounds to five years or 65 pounds in weight.

Changes booster seat requirement to belt positioning booster seats that must be used until age six and the child satisfies all five specified comfort and fit conditions.

Increases violation penalties: first violation $25, second violation within five years $50, third violation $100, and fourth or subsequent violation $150, with first violation dismissible upon proof of restraint acquisition.

Dedicates $15 from each fine to the Department of Public Health for distributing child passenger restraint system vouchers to low-income families; becomes effective October 1, 2025.