HB2693 Summary

• Allows children under 8 years old and less than 4 feet 9 inches in height to ride in the front seat of a motor vehicle under specific circumstances, including when there is no back seat, back seats are side-facing or rear-facing, the restraint system cannot be properly installed in back, all back seats are occupied by children under 12, or medical reasons require front seat placement.

• Prohibits children under 1 year of age, weighing less than 20 pounds, or riding in rear-facing child passenger restraint systems from sitting in the front seat of vehicles with active passenger airbags.

• Requires children under 4 years old to use approved child passenger restraint systems and children 4-8 years old to use child safety seats or booster seats meeting federal safety standards, with exemptions for specific vehicle types and configurations.

• Establishes graduated penalty structure for violations: first offense up to $100 fine plus mandatory safety class and fees; second offense within 3 years: $100-$200 fine; third or subsequent offense within 3 years: $200-$500 fine.

• Takes effect December 21, 2058.