California booster seat law a new law came into effect in California on January 1, 2020, regarding booster seats for kids. Starting now, all kids under the age of 8 must be in a booster seat while riding in a car. Here’s what you need to know about the new law and how it will affect your family.
What Is The California Booster Seat Law?
The California booster seat law requires that children under the age of 8 years old. Also, they must be properly secured in a booster seat when riding in a motor vehicle. Booster seats help to raise a child so that the adult seatbelt fits correctly across their chest and lap.
This helps to keep the child safe and secure in the event of a Car Accident. The law also requires that children who are over the age of 8 but under the age of 16 must be properly secured in a seatbelt.
Seatbelts must be worn correctly, which means that the lap belt must fit snugly across the child’s thighs and the shoulder belt must fit snugly across the child’s chest. Children who are not properly secured in a seatbelt or booster seat are at an increased risk of being seriously injured or killed in a car accident.
Basics of The New Law
The new law states that all kids under the age of 8 must be in a booster seat while riding in a car. This is a change from the previous law, which only required kids under the age of 6 to be in a booster seat. The penalty for violating the new law is a fine of $100 for each offense.
Why The Change?
The main reason for the change is safety. Booster seats have been shown to reduce Serious Injuries and fatalities in car accidents by up to 45%. They do this by raising the child so that the seatbelt fits properly across their chest and lap.
This is important because seatbelts are not meant for kids under 4 feet 9 inches tall – and most kids under 8 fall into this category.
Exceptions To The Rule
There are a few exceptions to the rule. If you have more than one child under 8, they can share a booster seat as long as they both fit properly. Additionally, if you can’t afford a booster seat or can’t find one that fits your child. You can get an exemption from the fine by filling out this form from the California Highway Patrol.
Requirements
California law requires that all children under the age of 8 must be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their height and weight. All car seats and boosters must be used per the manufacturer’s instructions.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Children who are taller than 4 feet 9 inches tall may be secured with a seatbelt only. Also, children who are 2 years old or younger may ride in a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle only if the airbag is turned off.
Similarly, children 8 years old or older may use a seatbelt without a car seat or booster. As long as they can sit back against the vehicle’s seat and the lap belt rests low on the hips, not the stomach.
Importance of California Booster Seat Law
In California, children under the age of 8 must be secured in a booster seat when riding in a car. Booster seats help to raise a child so that the seatbelt fits properly across their chest and hips. Additionally, booster seats provide extra support for a child’s neck and head in a crash.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the use of child safety seats reduces infant fatalities by 71 percent, and toddler fatalities by 54 percent. Booster seats are required by law to keep children safe while riding in a car.
However, many parents still do not use them correctly or at all. A study done by Safe Kids Worldwide found that only 59% of parents always put their child in a booster seat when riding in the car. There are a number of reasons why parents do not use booster seats, even though they are required by law.
Some parents think that their child is too old for a booster seat, or that their child is big enough to sit without one. Others simply forget to bring the booster seat with them when they travel.
Parents need to understand that booster seats are essential for keeping children safe in the car. Booster seats should be used until a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall and is between 8 and 12 years old. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the booster seat is properly installed. The child is securely fastened in the seat before each ride.
Following the California booster seat law is important. Because it can help prevent serious injuries or even death in the event of a car crash. Booster seats have been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of serious injury. Also, they are required by law for a reason. Parents should make sure to use a booster seat every time their child rides in the car, regardless of how short the trip may be.
Parents Make Sure Their Children Follow the California Booster Seat Law?
There are a few things parents can do to make sure their children are following the California booster seat law. First, they can check with their local police or sheriff’s department to see if there are any child passenger safety Seat Check events happening in their area.
Second, they can look for certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in their area who can help them properly install their child’s booster seat. Finally, parents can always contact the California Highway Patrol to request a free Child Passenger Safety Technician to come to their home and inspect their child’s booster seat installation.
California Rear-Facing Car Seat Law
Since January 1, 2017, all children under the age of 2 years must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children who are 2 years old or older may ride in a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness. If your child is too tall or too heavy for their car seat’s harness, they may ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and can use an adult seat belt properly.
All children under the age of 8 years old must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle. The only exception to this rule is if the back seat is unavailable. Such as in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. In this case, the child may ride in the front seat if they are secured in a proper car seat.
Car seats and booster seats must be used according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The harness straps must be at or below the child’s shoulders for rear-facing car seats, and at or above the child’s shoulders for forward-facing car seats. The lap belt portion of the seat belt must be placed low and snug on the hips for all children, regardless of what type of seat they are using.
If you have any questions about California Booster Seat Law or how to properly use a car seat or booster seat, please contact your local police department or the California Highway Patrol.
Final Words
As of January 1, 2017, the California Booster Seat Law will require all children under the age of 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds to be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat. This new law is an important step in keeping our youngest passengers safe while traveling on California roads.
If you have any questions about how to properly restrain your child in a car seat or booster seat. Visit one of our many convenient locations and speak with one of our experts. We want everyone on the road to be safe, and that includes our smallest passengers. Have you installed a car seat or booster for your child yet?
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