Under 2 Years
Rear-Facing Car Seat
- Must ride in the back seat if one is available
- Under 40 lbs: rear-facing car seat required
- Over 40 lbs: rear- or forward-facing seat allowed
South Metro Safety Foundation and South Metro Fire Rescue provide free courtesy car seat inspections for families who live or work in our fire district. Our certified technicians help make every trip safer.
The South Metro Safety Foundation and South Metro Fire Rescue offer courtesy inspections of child safety seats and booster seats for families who live or work in our fire district. Please allow about 30 minutes per car seat.
In June 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed HB24-1055, updating Colorado’s child passenger safety law for the first time in 14 years. These changes reflect current research-based recommendations.
Rear-Facing Car Seat
Rear- or Forward-Facing
Forward-Facing or Booster
Booster Seat or Seat Belt
Watch these helpful videos to learn about infant car seat safety and get practical installation guidance.
Essential guidance for installing and using infant car seats correctly.
Safe Kids Worldwide helps parents who need support with car seat installation.
The best car seat is the one that fits your child and your car best. There is no single “best” seat — the right choice is the one your family can use correctly every trip.
If you have a thin, tall child, look for a seat with a higher height limit. Check both weight and height maximums before purchasing.
If you need three car seats in the back seat, consider narrower models. Test the seat in your vehicle before buying if possible.
With an older child, involve them in the selection. A child who helped choose a seat may be more willing to use it properly.
Every adult who transports the child must be able to buckle and release the seat correctly every time.
If a car seat was involved in a major or moderate crash, NHTSA recommends replacing it — whether your child was in it or not.
A minor crash does not require replacement only if all of the following are true:
Car restraints generally expire after six years unless the manufacturer’s label states otherwise. Do not buy a used restraint unless it comes from a trusted source that knows its full history, including whether it has been in a crash.
When a child outgrows a booster, the vehicle seat belt should fit correctly. Check that:
Guidance from Colorado’s leading safety organizations to help keep your child safe on every trip.
Age-by-age guidance on Colorado’s 2025 car seat laws, best practices and proper installation tips.
Official details on HB24-1055, downloadable law cards and Car Seats Colorado information.
Official four-stage child passenger safety guidance and links to Car Seats Colorado.
Find out how Colorado families can recycle an old or expired car seat responsibly.
A practical guide to choosing, installing and using the right car seat for your child.
Search the national recall database for car seats and booster seats with safety defects.
Choose an available appointment for a one-on-one car seat inspection. Please book one appointment for each car seat or vehicle setup that needs attention.
Having trouble viewing the booking calendar? Open car seat appointments in Humanitix ↗
All key resources from this page in one convenient place.