California Child Car Seat Law

Based on california s penalty system the total costs for a first offense may be over 350.
California child car seat law. California vehicle code section 27360. All passengers of all ages are subject to california s mandatory seat belt law. The latest california laws require that a child sit in a car seat or booster seat in the rear of the vehicle until they are eight years old. Car seat laws in california ensure that children who need extra protection in vehicles are secured in suitable child restraints.
However safe seatbelt use is a little more complicated. Seatbelts are unsafe for anyone under 4 9 tall. There might be an expression that says the vehicle seat must be appropriately introduced and the california law may reference the maker s guidelines as proof of legitimate use or establishment. Louisiana car seat law last checked updated 7 2 2019 new state car seat law goes into effect august 1 2019 maine mrs 2081 children under 2 years of age shall be properly secured in a rear facing child restraint system or convertible child restraint in a rear facing position in accordance with the manufacturer s and vehicle.
California laws on child car seats it is important that guardians must have their kids in an appropriately utilized vehicle seat. Because thousands of children are injured or killed each year due to violations of booster seat laws or improper installation of the child restraints ca has established strict laws detailed the ages heights and weights children must be before they are exempt from. The january 1 2017 car seat law. Children must remain in a rear facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall.
Violating child safety belts or restraint laws is punishable by law with a 100 fine for a first offense with each subsequent offense carrying a 250 penalty. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. Rear or forward facing child car seat high backed booster seat or booster cushion using a seat belt harness or safety shield manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.
According to california state law children must be seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 9 tall. Medical conditions require a child to ride in the front seat. Effective january 1 2017 the state of california mandated that children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.