Montana updates child seatbelt laws to enhance safety

MONTANA — Montana has revised its child passenger safety laws with the recent passage of House Bill 586, according to official documents. This update aims to improve the safety of children in vehicles across the state.

The new law mandates that children under two years old must be in a rear-facing harness seat. Those between the ages of two and four are required to use a front or rear-facing internal harness seat. Children aged four to eight must be in a front-facing internal harness or booster seat. For children nine and older, a seatbelt is required.

These measures are designed to enhance the safety of young passengers in Montana.

For those needing assistance with selecting or installing the appropriate car seat, the Bozeman Fire Department offers free car seat checks. Other fire departments throughout the state provide similar services, ensuring that families can access support no matter where they live.