California maintains some of the most comprehensive child passenger safety laws in the country, yet many parents and caregivers are unsure which type of restraint their child needs at each stage. The requirements depend on a child’s age, height, and weight, and a new law taking effect in 2027 will clarify when a child can safely use a standard seat belt. This guide outlines what California law requires today and what families should expect next year.

Rear-Facing Requirements for Children Under 2

California Vehicle Code Section 27360 requires children under the age of 2 to ride in a rear-facing car seat. The only exception applies to a child who weighs 40 pounds or more or measures 40 inches or taller. Safety experts recommend that families continue using a rear-facing seat beyond these minimums, up to the height and weight limits set by the manufacturer, because this position offers the best protection for a young child’s head, neck, and spine in a collision.

Car Seat and Booster Requirements for Children Under 8

Under Vehicle Code Section 27363, children under 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle. A child who has outgrown a rear-facing seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness until reaching its upper limits, and then move to a booster seat that positions the adult seat belt correctly across the body.

Seat Belt Rules for Children 8 and Older

Children who are 8 years old, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may use a booster seat or the vehicle’s seat belt. The belt must still fit properly. Many children need a booster seat well past their eighth birthday, since a belt that rests across the stomach or neck can cause serious injuries in a crash.

What Changes on January 1, 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 435 defines what it means for a child to be properly restrained by a seat belt. The standard reflects the widely used five-step test. A child is ready for a seat belt only if they can do all of the following:

  • Sit with their back flat against the vehicle seat
  • Bend their knees comfortably at the edge of the seat
  • Keep the shoulder belt across the chest, between the neck and the arm
  • Keep the lap belt low across the hips and upper thighs
  • Remain seated in this position for the entire trip

If a child cannot meet every one of these criteria, a booster seat remains the safer choice.

Common Installation Errors

Even when parents choose the correct seat, mistakes during installation and use are common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of car seats are used incorrectly. Frequent problems include:

  • A seat that is not secured tightly enough. It should not move more than one inch at the belt path.
  • Turning a child forward-facing before they reach the limits of the rear-facing seat.
  • Moving a child out of a booster seat too early.
  • Not reviewing both the car seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual.

Free Car Seat Inspections

The California Highway Patrol offers free car seat inspections by appointment at many local offices, and certified technicians at many AAA locations provide similar assistance. An inspection is a practical way to confirm that the seat suits your child and is installed correctly.

Penalties for Violations

A violation of California’s child restraint laws can result in a fine, and the total cost may increase once court fees and assessments are added. The greater concern is safety, since a child who is not properly restrained faces a much higher risk of serious injury in a collision.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Crash With a Child in the Vehicle

Accidents with children can happen even when a family follows every safety rule. After a collision, an insurance company may question how a child was restrained and use that information to dispute or reduce a claim. Understanding your rights early can help protect your family’s recovery. If you or your child were injured, an experienced attorney can explain how car accident claims in Glendale, CA work and what steps to take next.

Knowing your child’s age, height, and weight is the first step toward choosing the right restraint. Confirm that the seat fits correctly, have it inspected by a professional, and review the 2027 changes so your family is prepared when they take effect.