California Child Restraint Law

For ages birth to 16 years

Children under age 8:

Must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat (V.C. Section 27360)

Children aged 8 or older, or who are 4’9” or taller:

May use the vehicle seat belt if it fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat (V.C. Section 27360.5)

Exemptions to the law

A child under age 8 may ride in an appropriate restraint system in the front seat if:
• There is no rear seat
• The rear seats are side-facing jump seats
• The rear seats are rear-facing seats
• The car seat or booster cannot be installed properly in the rear seat
• All rear seats are already occupied by children seven years of age or under
• Medical reasons require that a child cannot ride in the rear seat. Proof of the child’s medical condition may be required
• However, a child cannot be transported in a rear-facing car seat in the front seat that is equipped with an active frontal passenger airbag

Violation

For each child under the age of 16 who is not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or drivers can be fined and get a point on their driving record. While the base fine under the law is $100, court assessment and local fees can begin at $600. This is per child and per parent if another is in the car.