Car seats keep a child safe in the event of a collision. California laws are intended to remind parents to bucks their kids.
California Child Passenger Safety (CPS) amended child seat regulations effective January 1, 2005. The law mandates that anyone not in compliance with these laws faces a fine of $100 or referral to a violator program for the first offense. A second offense generates a $250 fine and the driver in violation may see an increase in car insurance rates.
Infants
Infants, defined as younger than 1-year old and under 20 pounds, must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
Toddlers
A toddler, defined as over one year of age and over 20 pounds up to age 4 and approximately 40 pounds, may ride in a forward-facing car seat, but must remain in the back seat because of the dangers created by adult-sized airbags in the front seat.
Pre-School
Pre-school-aged children, defined as between 40 and 60 pounds up to age 6, must still sit in the back seat, but may use a booster seat instead of a car seat.
Children
Children over the age of 6, or who weigh at least 60 pounds, may use a normal seat belt, instead of the child restraint system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) recommends that a child remain in a booster seat until the age of 8, unless they are at least 4-feet, 9-inches tall.
Exceptions
A child may ride in the front seat in certain instances. These include; if there is no rear seat, the car seat cannot be properly installed in the back or all rear seats are already occupied by children under the age of 12.
Installation And Safety
A child safety seat must be properly installed and federally approved for use. A parent can have the car seat installation evaluated by contacting a local law enforcement agency. That agency will either inspect your installation and assist you in making it safer, or it will refer you to a local Child Passenger Technician to assist you. As your child gets older, you should confirm with these agencies that the seat fits properly.
