Strapping into safety is not just advisable, it's the law, especially when it comes to the younger crowd in Colorado. The Colorado State Patrol is doubling down on its efforts to make seat belt use a firm habit from the start, emphasizing Colorado's Child Restraint and Graduated Drivers' Licensing Law. "It is a primary offense for children under 18 to be without a seatbelt or improperly restrained in a vehicle," said Trooper Kent Trimbach, Colorado Child Passenger Safety Program Coordinator, as per the Colorado State Patrol. The stark reality is that in 2024 alone, there were 976 seat belt citations issued to drivers aged 16-21.
Tighter enforcement isn't just for the little tykes, as teens behind the wheel face increased scrutiny as well. If police catch teens or their passengers riding sans seat belt, they're liable to be stopped, a primary enforcement that sees many getting pulled over. The statistics are stark, but Colorado State Patrol isn't just wagging a finger: they're also providing advice. "Make it a rule that the car doesn't move until all belts are on," explains Trooper Trimbach, as obtained by Colorado State Patrol. Indeed, habits cemented early may well ensure a safer journey through teenage years and into adulthood.
Diving into the specifics, Colorado's seat belt laws for youth exhibit no room for compromise. Teen drivers, as well as children, must be secured, no ifs, ands, or buts. Children aged 2 to 4 years must be in the back seat if one is available, and harnessed appropriately in a child restraint system, be it forward-facing or rear-facing. As for the bigger kids, those up to 9 years old, the law states they must be properly secured in a booster or child restraint system. Lastly, for anyone from 9 to 17 years old, wearing a proper safety belt is a must.
