On Saturday, August 3^rd, a Car Seat Inspection and Press Event was held at the Shelburne Fire Department.  

The event was co-sponsored by the Shelburne Police and Fire Departments, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department. 

Nationally Certified CPS Technicians from the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department, The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, and other volunteers inspected more than 10 car seats in the 4-hour event, checking seats for proper fit and installation, and educating parents on current best practices.

A revised child passenger safety law took effect in Vermont on July 1^st, 2024, specifying the MINIMUM Child Restraint requirements for children under 13. 

Speakers from various disciplines spoke of the importance of this revised law to reduce injuries and death to children involved in motor vehicle crashes.

Among the highlights of the revised law: 

• A child under two years of age must be properly secured in a federally approved rear-facing child car seat with a harness.

• A child in a rear-facing car seat must not ride in front of an active airbag.

• A child over 2 years of age but under five years of age must be properly secured in a federally approved rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness.

• A child under eight years of age who is not properly secured in a harnessed car seat must be properly secured in a booster seat.

• A child under 13 years of age must, if practical, ride in the back seat.

• A child under 18 years of age who is not properly secured in a harnessed car seat or booster seat must be wearing a seat belt. To find a fitting station near you or to learn more about Child Passenger Safety or how you can become a tech please visit www.beseatsmart.org.