Car seat laws arent the only laws that you, as a parent, need to follow. California car seat law requires that any child under two years old is secured in a rearfacing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. As part of these car and booster seat laws, children must use an acceptable type of child restraint device whenever they ride in a vehicle until they turn eight years of age. To schedule a child passenger safety presentation, please fill out the traffic safety program request form and select child passenger safety presentation or call 86624702. California cps parent brochure english pdf california cps parent brochure spanish pdf new california 2 year old rear facing cps law effective january 1, 2017. Basic car seat safety checklist in spanish safe kids worldwide. California child passenger safety law protect your child it is the law. During the 2 hour class you will learn the importance of using car seats, booster seats and seat belts, current california vehicle safety laws and the correct way to secure your child in a car seat. In fact, a child under the age of 2 in any part of the world should be in a rear facing car seat. Children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a car seat or a booster in the back seat.
Effective january 1, 2012, all children under age 8. Child passenger safety law, child restraint, seat belt law, public health law, traffic safety, policy diffusion, united states introduction in the u. Always fasten your seat belt and make sure all your passengers are using seat belts or child restraints. Children must normally use a child car seat until theyre 12 years old or 5 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Child car seat installations and inspections page 2 all seats have height and weight limits. The law also prohibits courts from ordering dmv to delay licensure, suspend, revoke, or restrict a person based upon a conviction of minors possessionuse of controlled substances or alcohol for specified violations.
When you are traveling with children, follow the laws of the state in which you are driving. After a child gets too big for the weight or height limits listed on the forwardfacing car seat s label, move to a booster seat used with the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt. California state law requires kids to stay in a booster or car seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. Children ages 24 must ride in a car seat with a harness rear or forward facing children 4 and older must ride in a car seat or a booster seat until they are 4 foot 9. If you car seat is over 6 years old or has been in a crash, it may not be safe. Motorists must comply with the car seat laws in pennsylvania whenever they travel by motor vehicle with a child passenger. To learn more about appropriate child passenger restraint systems, see the current california car seat laws. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rearfacing car seat. Children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster in the back 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 needing a child restraint. Updated patient handout available on car seat laws. This fact sheet provides a snapshot of motor vehicle occupant deaths and seat belt use and an overview of proven strategies for increasing the use of seat belts, car seats, and booster seats. California car seat law changes effective january 1, 2017. Children below the age 8 who are 4 9 or taller may be secured by a car seat belt in the rear seat.
The current law states that children under the age of 8 must be buckled into a car seat or a booster in the back seat. Children over 12 or more than 5cm tall must wear a seat belt. Below are some california safety rules for children traveling in a moving vehicle. A checklist for parents on how to properly check a car seat. If your child outgrows the car seat before then, be sure to replace it right away. What is the updated child passenger safety law in california. California law states that each child shall be properly restrained in a child safety seat, booster seat, or other restraint system in the back seat until the child is eight years old or at least 49 in height. Children under age 2 must ride facing in the rear of the car unless 40 lbs. Jay inslee signed a new law in april updating car seat laws for washington state. The different types of safety seats, basic safety seat installation, crash dynamics, child passenger safety laws and the importance of proper seat belt use will be discussed. Selecting a safe car, minivan or suv, plus correctly using child restraints and seatbelts may be the most important things you can do to protect your family. Official california legislative information website for exact language to health and safety and insurance codes, please use the legislative website to. Without a booster seat the lap belt can sit across the stomach during a crash and injuries are more likely to happen. Knowing california california child restraint law rear.
Dec 16, 2016 the law california vehicle code section 27360. The only exceptions for not having a baby in the backseat are there is no back seat in the vehicle, like in a truck or twoseater. Following california laws will keep your child safe in the car. A it is unlawful for any driver to transport a child under 16 in a passenger vehicle or truck any motor.
Its against california law to leave a child who is 6 years of age or younger alone in the car without the supervision of a person at least 12 years old if. Californias child safety belt and passenger restraint law were updated on jan. 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. Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. A children must ride in a properly secured child restraint system safety seat, booster, or other certified product, such as a crashtested car bed or harness until they are at least 8 years old. Car seat recommendations for children there are many car seat choices on the market. Following california california law rearfacing car seats. Car seat checklist for parents pdf safe kids worldwide. Basically, california car seat law requires infants to be in a rear facing car seat.
Children 8 years and over should be appropriately secured by a safety belt. Wearing seat belts both lap belt and shoulder harness will increase your chance of survival in most types of collisions. New california car seat law effective january 1 2017 the. Californias new booster seat law requires children to be correctly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat in the back seat of the car until they are 8 years old or 49 tall. Vehicles must contain properly functioning seat belts. Car and booster seat law ohio s children are required to use beltpositioning booster seats once they outgrow their child safety seats. The resources below are designed to help you learn how to select and correctly install the best seat for your child and vehicle, and how to correctly secure your child into the safety seat. Remember to use the car seat s tether to secure the forwardfacing car seat to the car. Keep children in rearfacing safety seats as long as possible. Things to know about californias child safety seat and. Children under age 8 must be restrained in a child passenger restraint system in the rear seat. Grab the car seat at the safety belt path or latch path to test it. Knees should bend easily over the front edge of the vehicle seat with the feet flat on the floor. The requirements differ as a child ages, and this means that youll need a rearfacing car seat, child safety seat and booster seat before your child can graduate to a standard seat belt.
Children under age 8 and under 4 feet and 9 inches must be properly secured in a federally approved child restraint system child safety seat. Because safety belts provide a level of protection from injury in motor vehicle collisions, california law requires the following. A proper safety seat is required for children under 8 years old under car seat law in california. Below are a few of the safety laws in california that you should be aware of. If the childs parent or legal guardian is present in the car but not driving, the parent or legal guardian is responsible for making sure that the child is properly. Current california law for child safetybooster seats per the california highway patrol. This is everything you need to know about california car seat laws, the recent changes and who they affect, and answers to frequently asked questions. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications. Child passenger safety and seat belt laws california. Buy a car seat that can be installed and used correctly every time. A child under age 8 who is at least 49 may be transported in a safety belt if it is used properly. Child passenger safety laws in the united states, 19782010. Therefore, by law, he may ride in the front seat using the booster seat and the lap.
You can choose a child car seat based on your childs height or weight. New california state law for car seats abc30 fresno. Starting january 1, 2017, children under 2 years old must be rear facing unless they weigh 40 pounds or more, or are 40 inches tall or more. Car seat and booster seat laws may differ by state. Never buy a used car seat if you do not know its full history and never use a car seat that has been in a. Jan 01, 2019 the childs back and hips should be against the back of the vehicle seat, without slouching. Read the forwardfacing car seats owners manual to determine height and weight limits, and keep your child in a harnessed seat for as long as. Updated patient handout available on car seat laws october 6, 2016 lois richardson california hospitals are required to provide information about child car seat laws to the parents or other person to whom a child under the age of 8 is released. Use the information below to help you choose the type of car seat that best meets your childs needs.
Educational materials with information about california s cps law. Make sure the car seat is the right fit for your vehicle pdf, 1. Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rearfacing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more. Make sure you buy a seat that is appropriate for your childs height, weight, and physical needs. Ohio s child passenger safety law is defined in ohio revised code 4511. Updated brochures with recent changes to the cps law and information on correct seat use for all ages. Frequently asked questions what is the updated child passenger safety law in california.
It is against california law to leave a child under the age of seven alone in the car without the. Summary of california occupant protection laws restraint laws for children under 16 vehicle code sections 2736027368 a driver who is transporting a child in a passenger vehicle including housecar, motor truck, truck tractor, or three. California car seat laws explained every car seat has a mom. California law birth to 16 years children under 2 years old must be rear facing in a car seat unless they weigh 40 pounds or more, or are 40 inches tall or more. 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 49. This law is not designed to aggravate parents or make children uncomfortable. Children under 2 years old must be rear facing in a car seat unless they weigh 40 pounds or more. Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturers instructions. California laws on child car seats, it is important that guardians must have their kids in an appropriately utilized vehicle seat. Most children will outgrow an infant seat before age 1 the next step is a convertible car seat. Child car seat installations and inspections california.
The internal organs and spine can be seriously damaged. The 4 steps for kids guidelines help parents determine which car seat or booster seat is best suited to protect children based on age and size. California child passenger safety laws every state in the us has its own laws regarding child safety. California highway patrol click on the chp logo to left for more. Enforcing california restraint laws for children safetybeltsafe usa. Children must remain in a rear facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall. A child under eight 8 years of age may ride properly secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system in the front seat under any of the following circumstances. Car seat installation tips once a child is placed in the car seat, be sure that the harness straps are snug and cant be pinched, that the chest clip is at. Car seat laws in california ensure that children who need extra protection in vehicles are secured in suitable child restraints.
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 49 tall. Car seat basics california department of public health. Children now required to stay rear facing until at least age 2 child passenger safety cdc health education resources pro car seat safety health education resources pro car seat safety. The keys are in the ignition or the car is running, or 2. Children under age 8 must be buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat. No booster wrong seat belt fit with booster seat right seat belt fit. A violation of these provisions is an infraction punishable by a fine. New 2018 california seat belt law for buses car seat safety. The chp will spearhead the effort to let the public know about the car seat rules which are designed to improve safety. Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rearfacing car seat unless the child weighs 40 pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. The rules for child car seats and booster seats height, weight, age, type of vehicle, car, minibus, licensed taxi child car seats. California law specifically requires children to be properly restrained, meaning the lap belt is low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt is crossing the center of the chest. Children age 8 or older, or who are 49 or taller, may use the.
Most require you to use some sort of a child restraint system such as special seats with protective seat belts, and the position and features of such seats is often closely regulated by various laws. A it is unlawful for any driver to transport a child under 16 in a passenger vehicle or truck any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or bus without the protection of a properly used restraint system. Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rearfacing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Until january 1 2017 the current california law remains in effect. Since then, seat belt laws and child car seat laws have passed in every state and the benefits of restraining a child in a car seat or booster seat are widely accepted. Test the car seat you plan to buy to make sure it fits well in your vehicle.
Car seat safety uc davis trauma prevention and outreach. Child safety laws in your state safe kids worldwide. Children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a safety seat or booster in the back. The strategies in this section are effective for increasing seat belt, car seat, and. Generally, it is six years, but contact the manufacturer of the seat to find out what the expiration date is for your specific seat. Car seat recommendations for children select a car seat based on your childs age and size, and choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time. This law makes it illegal, in the state of california, to leave a child 6 or younger in a car alone unless someone 12 or older is there to supervise them. Car seat checklist for parents pdf the steps to properly check a car seat. A key law in the state of california that many parents dont know is kaitlyns law.
I am asking for help in finding wording for california laws for infants in car seats for foster parent friends of mine who picked up the baby from a visit yesterday 5. Keep children in the back seat at least through age 12. The bullet points below contain pertinent information from california child passenger safety laws. Effective january 1, 2017, california state law requires children to be correctly restrained in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 49 tall. No child is permitted to ride in any vehicle without the proper safety seat in any california town or city. Correctly installing a child safety seat can be challenging. There might be an expression that says the vehicle seat must be appropriately introduced, and the california law may reference the makers guidelines as proof of legitimate use or establishment. Child car seats 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 49. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. California s child safety belt and passenger restraint law were updated on jan. She is a small baby too anyway, i was looking up california car seat laws for them to give her documentation to give to the bio parents. A proper use is defined by the vehicle owners manual and child restraint.