A new Montana law went into effect that requires all children under the age of nine to be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. If you have children in that age range, here's what you need to know about the law.
Montana HB 586 went into effect on Wednesday, October 1, and the bill includes a number of changes. Keeping children safe in vehicles is a responsibility no parent or caregiver should take lightly. With updated laws and evolving safety recommendations, it’s essential to know what the rules are, and why they matter.
The new law aims to protest Montana children, and details about it were shared on the Montana's official State website.
Children under the age of 2 must be placed in a rear-facing harness seat; children ages 2 to 4 in a rear-facing or forward-facing internal harness seat; and children 4 to 8 in a forward-facing internal harness or booster seat.
The new law and requirements differ by age group. Luckily, there's a handy guide to help you understand it better.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proper restraint reduces the risk for serious injury by approximately 71% in infants and 54% in toddlers.
The Montana Department of Transportation is helping residents adjust to the new law by offering car seat checks with certified technicians across the state.
All car seats and booster seats must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult manufacturer’s recommendations regarding height and weight limits.
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