CT SB01146

Increases the mandatory rear-facing car seat requirement from children under 2 years old to children under 3 years old or weighing less than 30 pounds, effective October 1, 2025

Requires children aged 3-4 years (or 30-39 pounds) to use a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint system with a five-point harness

Requires children aged 5-7 years (or 40-59 pounds) to use a child restraint system with five-point harness or a booster seat secured by a seat belt

Adds new requirement that all child restraint systems and booster seats must be configured according to manufacturer specifications for the child's weight and height

Maintains existing penalties: infraction for first violation, fine up to $199 for second violation, class A misdemeanor for third or subsequent violations, with mandatory child car seat safety course attendance