HB 708 -- Child Restraint Systems

Co-Sponsors:  Riback Wilson (25), Barry, Hosmer, Williams

This bill revises the law pertaining to child passenger
restraints and seat belts.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Adds the definitions of "child booster seat," "child
passenger restraint system," "driver," and "motor vehicle" to
Section 210.104, RSMo;

(2)  Changes the age of a child from "under the age of 4 years"
to "under the age of 16 years" for determining responsibility
for protecting the child during transport in a motor vehicle;

(3)  Requires children less than 4 years old, regardless of
weight, or children weighing less than 40 pounds, regardless of
age, to use an appropriate child passenger restraint system;

(4)  Requires children at least 4 years of age but less than 8
years of age or who weigh 40 pounds to 80 pounds to be
restrained in a properly secured child booster seat;

(5)  Increases the penalty from "not more than $25" to "not more
than $100" for persons, who upon conviction, are found in
violation of the child passenger restraint law (Section 210.104);

(6)  Requires car rental agencies doing business in Missouri to
inform customers of the requirements of Section 210.104 and to
provide an appropriate child passenger safety restraint system
for rental;

(7)  Requires the Department of Public Safety to develop a
public information program to ensure compliance with the child
passenger safety restraint laws.  The department is also
required to develop standards for the passenger restraint system
for children less than 16 years of age within 30 days of the
effective date of the bill;

(8)  Requires each driver of a motor vehicle who transports a
child more than 4 years old but less than 16 years old to secure
the child in a properly adjusted and fastened restraint
appropriate for the child's age and weight;

(9)  Increases the fine from "not to exceed $10" to "not to
exceed $100" for persons who violate Section 307.178, which is
the seat belt law; and

(10)  Removes the exemption in which the driver and passengers
are not in violation of Section 307.178, if there are more
persons than seat belts in an enclosed area of a motor vehicle.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated September 13, 2001 at 2:03 pm