SB 152 - Child Passenger Restraints

• Raises the age requirement for child passenger restraints from under 8 years to under 10 years of age for all children traveling in motor vehicles on public highways

• Requires children under 2 years of age to be restrained in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system with harness that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards

• Permits children 7 years or older but under 10 years to use a lap and shoulder seat belt assembly instead of a booster seat if the child is over 4 feet 9 inches in height

• Increases penalties for violations: second offense fines increase from $100-$200 to $250-$500; third or subsequent offense fines increase from $200-$500 to $500-$800 (within 3-year period)

• Repeals previous exceptions allowing violations when the number of persons in a vehicle exceeds available seat belt assemblies and removes negligence liability provisions