Colorado Law: Four Stages for Kids

Supporting Communities Across Colorado

A resource and partner to communities across Colorado for 86 years and counting, Colorado State Patrol is proud to offer a variety of community outreach programs and educational opportunities. Whether educating motorists on the importance of Child Passenger Safety, providing curriculum on safety initiatives to students or educating residents and visitors alike on traffic safety statistics, Colorado State Patrol’s Community Outreach team is your partner in safety across Colorado and on our roadways throughout every life stage.

Colorado Law - Four Stages for Kids by Car Seats Colorado

1. Rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat until first birthday and 20 pounds.
2. Rear-or forward-facing child safety seat from first birthday and 20 pounds until the upper weight or height limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.
3. Once child outgrows car seat with harness, use booster seat with vehicle lap and shoulder belt until eighth birthday.
4. Booster or vehicle seat belt from eighth birthday until sixteenth birthday.

Children may remain in car seats and booster seats beyond stated age as long as they fall within the seat manufacturer's height and weight requirements for safety.