AAA Commends Montana for Strengthening Child Passenger Safety Law with Age-Specific Requirements

HELENA (May 27, 2025) - Montana has updated its child passenger safety law with the passage of HB 586. Effective October 1, 2025, the expanded law introduces age-specific requirements to better protect children on the road, aligning with recognized safety best practices. AAA Mountain West Group applauds these important changes, which aim to improve child passenger safety on Montana roads.

"These changes put clear, age-based guidelines in place that are based on what safety experts recommend,” said Marshall L. Doney, President and CEO of AAA Mountain West Group. “These guidelines give Montana families the best opportunities to keep their kids safe, and that’s something we all value.”

Despite parents’ best intentions, improper car seat use remains a major safety concern and is a leading cause of preventable injury.

Data from AAA and the National Safety Council underscore this issue, showing that nationally, 1 in 4 children are moved to booster seats too early, and 9 in 10 kids using an adult seat belt would be safer in a forward-facing car seat or booster seat.

"There is nothing more dangerous to our children on a daily basis than a car crash,” said Rep. Marc Lee, sponsor of HB 586. “This bill puts children in the best pre-crash position possible, if a tragedy occurs."The new, age-specific requirements provide clear guidance to help parents and caregivers properly secure their children when riding in a vehicle:

• Children under 2 will be required to use a rear-facing safety seat. Keeping children rear-facing until at least two years old provides optimal protection for their developing bodies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• Children between 4 and 8 must use a forward-facing or booster seat. The proper use of forward-facing car seats and booster seats for children up to age 8 offers vital protection as they grow (AAP).

For more information on car seat safety, visit aaa.com/carseats.

About AAA Mountain West Group

AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.