HB2004 Summary: Child Passenger Restraints

• Raises age requirement for child passenger restraints from eight years to ten years of age in Hawaii
• Requires children under two years of age to be restrained in rear-facing child safety seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards
• Increases penalty fines for violations: second offense fined $250-$500 (up from $100-$200) and third or subsequent offense fined $500-$800 (up from $200-$500)
• Removes exemption provisions for situations where vehicle occupants exceed available seat belt assemblies
• Allows children age seven or older but under ten to use lap and shoulder seat belt assembly if over 4 feet 9 inches tall instead of requiring child safety seat or booster seat
• Effective upon approval