California Child Seat Law & Usage

Children must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds. Visit the downloads sections of this web site to download pdf documents on child seat laws.

Children who have not completed all immunizations will be admitted conditionally if they are up-to-date (no doses currently due), provided they obtain the next immunizations when they are due.

Remember: All children under 16 must ride properly buckled up. The cost of a violation is a $270 fine and a point on your driving record.

Car booster seats must be used in conjunction with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. The booster seat raises the child so that the vehicle lap and shoulder belt can be positioned properly, and the child’s knees can bend naturally.

Infant Seat

Infant seats are installed rear-facing only. Designed to recline at a 45-degree angle. May be used with or without the detachable base.

Convertible Seat

Designed for children from newborn to 40 pounds or 40 inches tall. Seat can be installed either rear- or forward-facing.

Child Safety Tips

Best place for a child is in the back seat.
Babies ride rear-facing and reclined (45-degree angle) until 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
Toddlers ride forward-facing and upright with a harness until 40 pounds.
Children who are over 40 pounds or have outgrown the harness system use a lap and shoulder belt-positioning booster seat.
When You Choose a Safety Seat or Booster Sea
Select a seat that fits your child. One type does not fit all.
Be sure the seat fits in your vehicle.
Choose a seat that is easy to install correctly.

For More Information
http://www.carseat.org
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/