This article shines a spotlight on children as passengers in a motor vehicle and the occupant laws that protect them from injury as best as possible, in the event of a collision.
Here’s the highlights:
- In California, the child occupant protection law requires all children under two years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child weighs 40 + pounds or is 40 + inches tall.
- Furthermore, any child under the age of 8 is required to be secured in a car or booster seat, and children who are 8 years old or at least 4’9” may be secured by a booster seat, but at minimum wear a seat belt.
- And all children 13 years and younger should ride in the backseat.
- Keep your child in rear and forward-facing seats as long as possible.
- Don’t rush to move a child into a booster seat before they’re ready.
- And ideally, booster seats are recommended until a child reaches a height of 4’9”.
Child seats are varied and age-appropriate:
- Rear-Facing is for Newborn – 2yrs.
- Forward-Facing is for children under 8yrs., or 40 +pounds or 40 +inches tall.
- Booster Seat is for 8yrs or at least 4’9’’ in height.
- Seat belts are for children 8 -16 yrs, and over 4’9’’ tall.
Some final thoughts to keep in mind when it comes to the safety of children as passengers in a vehicle, California law specifically requires all children to be properly restrained. This means that the lap belt should be low on the hips and touching the upper thighs with the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. Also, children in rear-facing seats should never ride in the front when there is an active front passenger airbag.
Fines
The violation of child safety belt or restraint laws is a punishable fine of $100 and each subsequent offense is a $250 penalty. The total costs for a first time offense may actually come to more than $350. while this violation is considered a standard offense in California.
Please remember to be safe out there, and be thoughtful of the safety of your passengers as well! But if you should be fined in this area, please don’t hesitate to give Ticket Dismissers a call. We’re here for you.