Montana has updated its child passenger safety laws with the passage of House Bill 586, which sets specific car seat requirements based on a child’s age. Children under two must use a rear-facing harness seat; those aged two to four must be in a front or rear-facing internal harness seat; children four to eight must use a front-facing internal harness or booster seat; and children nine and older are required to wear a seatbelt.

To support families in complying with these new regulations, the Bozeman Fire Department and other fire departments across Montana offer free car seat checks and assistance with selecting and installing the appropriate seats, promoting safer travel for young passengers statewide.