1. What is the minimum age required for children to ride in a booster seat in California?
In California, children must be at least 6 years old or 60 pounds to ride in a booster seat.
2. Does California require children to be in rear-facing car seats until a certain age?
Yes, California requires children to be in rear-facing car seats until they are at least two years old.
3. What type of car seat is required for newborns and infants in California?
In California, newborns and infants must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the minimum weight requirement of 22 lbs. or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits established by the car seat manufacturer.
4. Does California have a law requiring children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle?
Yes. California has laws requiring children up to 8 years old to ride properly secured in a rear seat of a vehicle. Children under the age of 2 must be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system, while children 8 and older are required to be secured with a seat belt.
5. How many passengers does California permit to ride in the back seat with a child who is using a safety seat?
California permits up to three passengers to ride in the back seat with a child who is using a safety seat, so long as they are 12 years of age or younger.
6. Does California have any restrictions regarding the use of cell phones by drivers with passengers under the age of 18?
Yes, California does have restrictions regarding the use of cell phones by drivers with passengers under the age of 18. Under California’s Distracted Driving Law, drivers with passengers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a handheld wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle. This includes talking on or texting via a handheld device.
7. Does California have laws that address the use of child restraint systems in taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles?
Yes, California has laws related to the safe use of child restraint systems in taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles. California Vehicle Code requires that any child under 8 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint system when riding in a taxi or other for-hire vehicle. The driver shall ensure that the child is properly secured in the device and that it is correctly installed.
8. Are lap and shoulder belts required for all passengers in vehicles registered in California?
Yes, all passengers in vehicles registered in California must use lap and shoulder belts.
9. Does California impose any restrictions on the use of rear-facing car seats on airplanes?
No, California does not impose any restrictions on the use of rear-facing car seats on airplanes. According to the FAA, the use of rear-facing car seats is allowed on airplanes, provided they meet FAA standards.
10. Does California have any laws that prohibit drivers from smoking in vehicles with passengers under the age of 18?
Yes. As of January 1, 2020, it is illegal for anyone to smoke or vape in a vehicle if there is a minor under the age of 18 present in the vehicle. Additionally, any driver in California must also abide by the applicable smoking laws of their local jurisdiction.
11. Are there any laws in California that apply specifically to booster seat requirements?
Yes, California has specific laws regarding booster seat requirements. Children under 8 years of age and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must be properly restrained in a booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Children who are 8 years or older or 4 feet 9 inches or taller may be restrained by a safety belt in the back seat.
12. Does California allow for children under a certain age to be secured with a lap belt only?
No, California requires all children under the age of 8 to be securely fastened in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle.
13. Which type of vehicles are exempt from child restraint laws in California?
Children who are 8 years old or older, 4’ 9” or taller, and riding in a vehicle with a seat belt are exempt from child restraint laws in California.
14. Are there any laws in California that allow for exceptions to certain child restraint requirements for pregnant women?
No, there are no laws in California that allow for exceptions to certain child restraint requirements for pregnant women. California law requires all children under the age of 8 to be properly secured in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat when riding in a motor vehicle.
15. What are the penalties associated with violating child passenger safety laws in California?
The penalties for violating California Vehicle Code Sections 27360-27368 depend on the violations. Generally speaking, a first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100. Subsequent offenses are punishable by a fine of up to $500.
16. Are there any restrictions regarding children riding in the front seat of a vehicle in California?
Yes. In the state of California, all children under the age of 8 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, booster seat, or other appropriate child safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Children who are 8 years old or older, or who are 4 feet 9 inches or taller, may be secured by a safety belt in the front seat.
17. Does California require the use of child safety seats at all times or just when certain criteria are met?
California requires child safety seats at all times for children under the age of 8, unless the child is over 4 feet 9 inches tall.
18. Is it legal to transport an unrestrained pet when transporting children in a vehicle registered in California?
No, it is not legal to transport an unrestrained pet when transporting children in a vehicle registered in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 27602, pets must be secured and restrained when transported in a vehicle. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol recommends that pets be secured in a pet restraint device or contained in a pet carrier for safety.
19. What kind of child safety seats must be used when traveling on buses operating within California?
Children who are required to be in child safety seats when traveling on buses operating within California must use a seat that is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and marked with a label stating “This Child Restraint System conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.”
20. Is there a law in California that requires all children riding in school buses to use booster seats or other child safety restraints?
No, California does not have a law requiring all children riding in school buses to use booster seats or other child safety restraints. However, California does require that all drivers of school buses ensure that appropriate safety restraints are used for all passengers, including children, who are required by law to use them.