California Car Seat Laws: Everything You Need To Know
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
California has a government entity known as the California State Transportation Agency, which lines out rules, regulations, and transportation limitations. Though the laws seem extensive, each driver on the road must abide by them, so it helps to know what they are.
One section deals with California car seat laws, which all parents should consider before strapping their kids in and taking off on the road. Below, we’ll outline laws according to the state of California and provide assistance to check if your seats are set up correctly. First up, let’s look at a breakdown of the laws.
California Car Seat Laws
As a general rule, the state of California requires that all kids under the age of eight ride in the backseat strapped in some sort of restraint system. There are different requirements and recommendations when it comes to the type of seat and the age, weight, and height of the child.
Though many of these seating arrangements are different, there are some basics that parents can follow when it comes to strapping their children in safely.
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Rear-Facing Seats
Rear-facing seats are said to be the safest way to transport infants and very young children. The state of California requires that children under the age of two stay in the rear seats, though those that are over 40 pounds may be able to sit facing the front.
With the position of seats, parents should look at both the state laws and the recommendations as per the manufacturer, getting the best idea of how they can avoid fines and keep their children safe.
Front-Facing Seats
When children reach two years of age, parents can consider switching them around to face the front. Still, parents should keep an eye out for weight recommendations, keeping their kids facing the rear of the car until they are at least 40 pounds.
Front-facing seats still go in the rear seats, though they just face a different way. It is recommended to keep your child in the back in a front-facing position for as long as you can, as it’s the safest place for them to be.
Booster Seats
California car seat laws state that once children reach 65 pounds or more, it’s okay to put them in a booster seat. Parents are still encouraged to check that their toddler can sit comfortably and properly with the seatbelts falling at the right spot both around the lap and collar bone.
Though kids get in a hurry to want to sit in the front, the backseat is the safest, so keep them there as long as you can. Don’t switch your kiddos too early, as they may get hurt from the pressure of the airbag if you’re in a collision or if it accidentally happens to go off.
Children and Safety Belts
There comes a time when parents can switch their children from restraint with the straps of a car seat and replace them with a seat belt. The thing that parents need to look for is the position of the belt, making sure that it falls where it’s supposed to so that the child is both comfortable and safe.
As a rule of thumb, regulators in California state that children should be at least eight years old and stand 4’9” before they transfer over to wearing a normal seatbelt. This height and age correspond to the child’s position in relation to the seatbelt, helping parents determine whether or not the seatbelt properly fits the child to keep them safe while driving.
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Switching to the Front Seat
Children are allowed to sit in the front seat, though California recommends that they are at least eight years of age. In addition, parents must make sure that their child can sit in the proper position to stay protected from things like the airbag and the seatbelt. Parents can check if their child is tall enough, putting them in proper position with:
- Their back against the seat
- Their legs hanging off of the seat at a 90⁰ angle
- The seatbelt hitting their collar bone and not their neck
Federal V. State
California car seat laws state that a child can be in the front seat at the age of eight so long as they meet the weight requirements. However, NHTSA recommends that children stay in the back seat until they are at least 12. They also recommend booster seats until the age of 7, something that is dependent on the parents.
Though federal laws are a bit different, drivers in California are expected to abide by the laws in California and keep the manufacture’s recommendations in mind.
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Checking Out Your Seats
Like all states, California offers its drivers a chance to check out their car seat or booster seat setup in a number of locations. They can check out Safe Kids California, getting help and suggestions to set up their car seat correctly. In addition, parents can stop by their car dealership, a police station, or even a fire station to find out if they are setting everything up correctly.
When in doubt, check out your seats, and make sure that you have it set up properly to keep your kids as safe as they can be while you make your way around town.
Know the Laws in Your State
Though there are a set of federal recommendations, it’s the state that gets to decide how children should be seated. Check your local laws and find out before you take off, knowing that you’re legal and safe. In addition, parents should take steps to learn about all of the manufacturer’s recommendations, knowing the weight and height recommendations to keep them safe.
Parents can never be too careful when it comes to strapping their kids in for a ride. Make sure that your kiddos are set up correctly and ready to roll, in the safest position for their height, weight, and age.
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