Colorado Bill: Increase GVWR for Child Restraint System Requirements

Detected March 3rd, 2026

Summary

Colorado Bill SB26-026 proposes to increase the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) limit for passenger vehicles requiring child restraint systems from 10,000 pounds to 16,000 pounds. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

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What changed

Colorado Bill SB26-026, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, seeks to amend existing law concerning child restraint system requirements. Specifically, it proposes to increase the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) threshold for passenger motor vehicles that are subject to mandatory child restraint system use. The current definition includes vehicles with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds; the bill would raise this to less than 16,000 pounds.

This change would expand the types of vehicles, particularly larger passenger vehicles and light trucks, that are subject to child restraint system mandates. Employers who operate such vehicles, manufacturers of these vehicles, and potentially consumers purchasing them should be aware of this proposed change. As the bill is currently under consideration and has not yet passed, compliance actions are not immediately required, but monitoring its progress through the legislative process is advisable.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado Bill SB26-026 through the legislative process.
Review internal vehicle classifications and child restraint policies if operating vehicles with GVWR between 10,000 and 16,000 pounds.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-026

Weight for Vehicles with Child Restraint System

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Transportation & Motor Vehicles |
Concerning increasing the gross vehicle weight rating limit for a passenger motor vehicle for which the use of a child restraint system is required.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

As it relates to child restraint system requirements, current law defines a "motor vehicle" to include certain passenger vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. The bill increases the gross vehicle weight rating criteria in the definition to less than 16,000 pounds.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)