Car Seat and Booster Seat Laws in California

Car crashes rank as the leading cause of death for children between ages 1 and 13.

Each year, thousands of children suffer injuries in vehicle accidents, many of which could be prevented with proper car seat installation and usage. Research shows that most collisions involving children occur within just one mile of home, making every short trip a safety priority.

California maintains some of the nation’s most comprehensive child passenger safety laws. These regulations guide parents through multiple developmental stages, from newborn rear-facing requirements through the transition to adult seat belts. The state’s approach recognizes that children’s bodies develop at different rates and require specific protection at each stage.

In this article, we’ll cover California’s specific legal requirements, age-based mandates, transition timing, and practical compliance strategies.

Understanding California’s Car Seat Laws: The Legal Foundation

California’s car seat requirements are based on Vehicle Code §§ 27360, 27363, 27360.5, and 27315. Together, they outline when children must use rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats, and, eventually, adult seat belts. These laws set minimum standards, but child safety experts recommend going beyond them whenever possible.

Vehicle Code § 27360 

For the youngest passengers, the law requires:

• All children under age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
• Exceptions apply if the child weighs at least 40 pounds or is at least 40 inches tall.
• Parents must follow the height and weight limits listed by the car seat manufacturer.

The reason is safety. Babies and toddlers have proportionally larger heads and weaker necks than adults. A rear-facing seat spreads crash forces across the back, helping protect the spine and reducing the chance of serious injury.

Vehicle Code § 27363 

Once children outgrow rear-facing seats, they move into forward-facing or booster seats. The law requires:

• Children under 8 must ride in the back seat in a car seat or booster.
• A child may switch to an adult seat belt once they turn 8 or reach 4’9″ tall.
• Children under 8 may ride in the front seat only in specific situations, such as when no back seat is available, when rear seats are side-facing or rear-facing, when the car seat cannot be properly installed in the back, when all back seats are occupied by children under 8, or for documented medical reasons.

However, even with these exceptions, a child cannot ride in a rear-facing seat in the front if the vehicle has an active passenger airbag.

Vehicle Code § 27360.5 

Children between 8 and 16 must be properly secured in either a booster, a child safety seat, or a standard seat belt that fits correctly. This ensures older children remain protected as they transition from child restraints to adult safety systems.

Vehicle Code § 27315 

Once a child turns 16, California’s general seat belt law applies. All drivers and passengers 16 and older must wear seat belts, and seat belts must be maintained in working order by vehicle owners.

Age-Specific Car Seat Requirements in California

Each age group has specific needs based on how children’s bodies develop. Understanding what makes each stage different helps parents choose the right protection and install it correctly:

Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 2 Years): Rear-Facing Car Seats

Newborns need maximum protection because their bodies are still developing. Their heads make up 25% of their total body weight, compared to just 6% for adults. Their soft bones and weak neck muscles can’t handle the forces that occur during sudden stops.

Three main seat types handle rear-facing needs:

• Infant carriers:  Lightweight and portable, typically hold 4-35 pounds
• Convertible seats:  Start rear-facing up to 40+ pounds, then convert to forward-facing
• All-in-one seats:  Grow with your child through all stages until they’re ready for seat belts

Installation tips for rear-facing seats:

• The seat should recline at a 45-degree angle for newborns
• Harness straps should come at or below your baby’s shoulders
• You shouldn’t be able to pinch any slack in the harness straps
• The chest clip should sit at armpit level

Many parents worry about their child’s legs being cramped, but bent legs are completely safe. Children can cross their legs, sit crisscross, or let their legs hang over the sides without any increased injury risk.

Toddlers and Preschoolers (2-4 Years): Forward-Facing Car Seats

Once children outgrow their rear-facing limits, forward-facing seats with internal harnesses become the next step. These seats work differently than rear-facing ones because they rely on the harness system to hold your child in place during a crash.

Harness positioning becomes critical at this stage:

• Straps should come at or above your child’s shoulders
• The chest clip must stay at armpit level
• You shouldn’t be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulders
• The crotch buckle should fit snugly against your child’s body

Weight limits for forward-facing seats typically range from 22-65 pounds for basic models, while premium seats may go up to 90 pounds. Height limits usually max out around 49 inches, but check your specific seat’s manual.

Signs your child has outgrown their forward-facing seat:

• Their ears reach the top of the seat back
• Their shoulders are above the highest harness slots
• They’ve reached the maximum weight limit

School-Age Children (4-8 Years): Booster Seat Requirements

Booster seats work completely differently than car seats with harnesses. Instead of using their own restraint system, boosters position your child so the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across their body.

High-back boosters work best when:

• Your vehicle seats have low backs
• There are no head restraints in your back seat
• Your child falls asleep during car rides
• You frequently switch the booster between different vehicles

Backless boosters work well when:

• Your vehicle has tall seat backs with built-in head restraints
• You need something easy to move between cars
• Your child is mature enough to position themselves correctly
• Storage space is limited

Proper booster positioning requires the lap belt to lie flat across the tops of your child’s thighs, not across their stomach. The shoulder belt should cross the middle of their chest and shoulder, never across their neck or behind their back.

Older Children (8-12 Years): Seat Belt Transition

The jump to seat belts is a big milestone, but size requirements don’t tell the whole story. Many children who meet California’s minimum requirements still get better protection from booster seats.

Physical readiness signs include:

• Child can sit all the way back against the vehicle seat
• Their knees bend naturally at the edge of the seat cushion
• Their feet rest flat on the floor
• They’re tall enough that the belt crosses their shoulder, not their neck

Behavioral readiness is just as important:

• Child understands they must stay positioned correctly
• They don’t slouch, lean forward, or put the shoulder belt behind their back
• They can sit properly for the entire trip, even when sleeping
• They don’t play with the seat belt or unbuckle themselves

Vehicle factors also affect readiness. Some cars have seat belts that don’t adjust well for shorter passengers. Others have seat cushions that are too deep or too soft to provide proper positioning. If your vehicle’s belts don’t fit your child correctly, continue using a booster even if they meet the age and height minimums.

When to Transition Between Car Seat Types in California

Knowing when to move your child to the next seat type can be confusing, but here’s what you generally need to keep in mind:

From Rear-Facing to Forward-Facing

While California law allows children to be turned forward-facing after age 2 if they weigh at least 40 pounds or are 40 inches tall, safety experts strongly recommend keeping a child rear-facing until they outgrow the seat’s maximum height or weight limits for superior protection of the head, neck, and spine..

Signs your child has truly outgrown rear-facing:

• Reached the seat’s maximum weight limit
• Head extends above the seat shell
• Exceeded height limits in the instruction manual

Cramped legs don’t mean it’s time to turn around. Children can safely ride rear-facing with bent legs. Many convertible seats now accommodate rear-facing until 40-50 pounds, letting most kids stay rear-facing until age 3-4.

From Forward-Facing to Booster

Children outgrow forward-facing seats when they hit weight limits (usually 65-90 pounds) or their shoulders rise above the highest harness slots. Height alone doesn’t determine readiness unless they exceed the seat’s maximum height.

Maturity matters more than size for booster readiness. Children must understand why proper positioning matters and maintain it consistently. Kids who can’t sit still should stay in harnessed seats even if they meet size requirements.

Choose boosters based on your vehicle:

• High-back boosters work better in vehicles with low seat backs
• Backless boosters need vehicles with proper head restraints
• Consider your child’s comfort preferences for longer trips

From Booster to Seat Belt

California law allows children to transition to seat belts at age 8 or once they reach 4’9″. But these minimums don’t always mean the seat belt actually fits safely. Many kids still need a booster seat well beyond those benchmarks.

The 5-step test gives a more reliable measure of readiness. A child can safely ride without a booster only if all five apply:

1. The child’s back rests fully against the vehicle seat.
2. Knees bend naturally at the edge of the seat without slouching.
3. The lap belt lies across the tops of the thighs, not the belly.
4. The shoulder belt rests snugly between the neck and shoulder, not cutting across the neck.
5. The child can sit properly for the entire ride without leaning, sliding, or playing with the belt.

If any of these are missing, it’s too soon to switch. Warning signs include lap belts riding up on the stomach, shoulder belts hitting the neck, or a child constantly shifting to stay comfortable. These positions increase the risk of serious injury in a crash, making continued booster use the safer choice.

California Car Seat Installation and Safety Requirements

Proper installation is just as important as having the right seat. California requires secure installation, but many parents make common mistakes that reduce crash protection.

Proper Installation Standards in California

California requires secure installation using either LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or seat belts. Most vehicles made after September 2002 have LATCH systems.

LATCH system basics:

• Lower anchors in vehicle seats connect to car seat
• Top tether points secure forward-facing seats
• Combined child and seat weight can’t exceed 65 pounds for lower anchors
• Use seat belt installation if you exceed weight limits
• Forward-facing seats must use tethers regardless of installation method. The tether significantly reduces head movement during crashes and is required by law.

Common installation mistakes that compromise safety:

• Loose installation (seat moves more than 1 inch at belt path)
• Wrong harness height for child’s shoulders
• Twisted harness straps
• Forgetting to attach the tether on forward-facing seats

Where to Get Car Seat Installation Help in California

The California Highway Patrol offers free car seat inspections at Area Offices statewide. Certified technicians check your installation, show you proper usage, and answer safety questions.

What to bring for CHP inspections:

• Your vehicle and car seat
• Car seat instruction manual
• Vehicle owner’s manual

CHP services are available Monday through Friday during business hours. Some locations offer extended hours or weekend appointments. Call ahead to schedule and confirm services.

Community resources also provide installation help:

• Hospitals often host safety events
• Fire departments may offer inspection services
• Safe Kids California coordinates events statewide
• Many events provide free or low-cost seats for qualifying families

Car Seat Registration and Recall Requirements

Car seat recalls happen frequently, affecting millions of seats each year. Registration helps you get direct notification from manufacturers instead of hoping to see recalls in the news.

Why registration matters:

• Recalls address harness defects, structural problems, and instruction errors
• Some recalls require complete seat replacement
• Others involve simple fixes like replacement parts
• Recalled seats may not provide adequate crash protection

The NHTSA tracks recalls and offers email subscriptions for safety alerts. Register your seat immediately after purchase and update your information when you move.

Legal Penalties and Enforcement in California

California enforces car seat laws with significant financial penalties and DMV consequences. Parents should understand how violations are handled to avoid costly mistakes and keep children safe. Here’s what to consider:

Fines and Citations for Car Seat Law Violations

The base fine for a first offense under Vehicle Code § 27360 is $100, but once mandatory state and local fees are added, the total cost typically reaches $475 to over $500.

Citation consequences include:

• Citations add one point to the driver’s DMV record
• Insurance rates may rise due to points
• Repeat violations carry higher costs, the base fine rises to $250, with total expenses often exceeding $1,000
• Accumulating points can eventually lead to license suspension under California’s Negligent Operator Treatment System

Courts sometimes offer alternatives to fines:

• Judges may order completion of a child passenger safety course for economically disadvantaged defendants, and fines can be reduced or waived after proof of completion
• However, unlike traffic school for some infractions, DMV points cannot be removed through these courses

Parents may contest citations if they believe their child met the legal requirements or if the car seat was properly installed.

Law Enforcement and Traffic Stop Procedures

Law enforcement officers are authorized to stop vehicles if they reasonably suspect a violation of child restraint laws. Compliance is often checked during routine traffic stops or safety checkpoints.

What officers look for:

• Correct seat type for the child’s age, height, and weight
• Secure installation without excessive movement
• Proper harness adjustment and seat belt positioning
• Compliance with rear-seat requirements (with exceptions such as no rear seat or medical necessity)

Additional enforcement notes:

• Officers cannot remove children from car seats during inspections; they check from outside the vehicle
• Parents may be asked to provide proof of a child’s age (such as a birth certificate) if the child looks younger than they are
• Cooperative behavior can sometimes result in warnings, but officer approval does not guarantee the seat is perfectly installed

Special Situations and Exceptions in California

California’s car seat laws cover most scenarios, but some circumstances allow for exemptions or have unique enforcement rules.

Medical Exemptions and Special Needs

Medical exemptions are limited and require court or physician documentation. These apply when a child’s physical unfitness, medical condition, or size makes standard restraints impractical, and when no appropriate special-needs restraint is available.

Special considerations include:

• Premature infants who need specialized car beds or seats for safe hospital discharge
• Children with feeding tubes, oxygen equipment, or postural support needs requiring adapted restraints
• Orthopedic or respiratory conditions that prevent safe use of conventional car seats

Hospitals frequently perform car seat tolerance tests for premature infants before discharge, ensuring safety during travel. Parents should consult pediatricians familiar with car seat regulations when pursuing medical exemptions.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Public Transportation Rules

California law applies car seat requirements to most private and rideshare vehicles. Parents or guardians (not Uber or Lyft drivers) are legally responsible for ensuring children are properly secured. Some rideshare services offer car seat options for a fee, but they are not universally available.

Key points to know:

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):  Car seat laws apply, and drivers are not required to provide a seat. Parents must bring their own or request a vehicle equipped with one (limited availability, added cost).
• Taxis:  Contrary to outdated interpretations, current law confirms car seat requirements do apply to taxis. Parents should plan to bring a compliant car seat.
• Public transportation:  Buses and trains are exempt from car seat laws.
• Shuttles/vans:  Vehicles carrying more than 16 passengers are exempt.
• Rental cars:  Companies must provide a compliant seat upon request, usually for an additional fee.

For safety and compliance, families traveling by taxi or rideshare should consider portable travel seats or compact boosters.

Out-of-State Visitors and California Law

California car seat rules apply to all vehicles operating in the state, regardless of the driver’s residence or the vehicle’s registration. Families visiting from other states must follow California’s stricter requirements.

Get Guidance from Thompson Law After an Accident Involving Car Seats

Even when parents follow California’s car seat and booster seat laws, accidents can still cause serious harm. Insurance companies may try to downplay injuries or shift blame if a restraint wasn’t installed perfectly, even though the crash itself caused the injuries. These cases require careful handling, since proving compliance with safety laws can directly affect compensation.

Thompson Law understands how child passenger safety laws impact car accident claims. Our team investigates every detail, from the type of restraint used to whether it was installed correctly, and we use this evidence to build a strong case for families. If your child was injured in a crash, you don’t have to go through the legal system alone.

Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our California car accident lawyers are here to protect your rights, handle insurers, and fight for the compensation your family needs. We cover all areas of California, Georgia, Arizona, and Texas.