Car Seat Laws In California (2026): Safety Rules Getting Stricter

Most parents think their kid is done with car seats at age 8. Wrong. California just changed the game, and honestly? A lot of families are about to be surprised.

Big changes are coming in 2027. Your middle schooler might still need a booster seat. Seriously. Let me break down what’s happening with California’s car seat laws and what you need to know right now.

What Are California’s Current Car Seat Laws?

California has pretty strict rules about keeping kids safe in cars. The basic law is simple. Kids under 8 years old must use a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. But wait, there’s more to it.

The law says kids can skip the booster once they turn 8 OR reach 4 feet 9 inches tall. Whichever comes first. So a tall 6-year-old who’s already 4’9″ can legally use just a seat belt. But a short 9-year-old? They’re technically legal too since they’re over 8.

Here’s the thing though. Just because something’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe.

The New Law Taking Effect in 2027

Okay, this is important.

Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 435 in October 2025. It takes effect January 1, 2027. And it changes everything for kids ages 8 to 16.

The new law introduces something called the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test. Kids between 8 and 16 years old must pass ALL five steps to legally ride without a booster seat. Not four steps. All five.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not.

The 5-Step Test Explained

Your child needs to answer “yes” to every single one of these questions:

Step 1: Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?

Step 2: Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?

Step 3: Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?

Step 4: Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?

Step 5: Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If your kid fails even ONE of these? They legally need to stay in a booster seat. Even if they’re 12 years old.

Wondering if this applies to you? Yeah, probably. Most kids don’t pass this test until they’re 10 to 12 years old. Some not until they’re even older.

Rules for Babies and Toddlers

Let’s start from the beginning. Babies have different rules.

Rear-Facing Car Seats (Birth to Age 2)

All children under 2 years old MUST ride in a rear-facing car seat. No exceptions. Well, almost no exceptions.

The only way out? Your child weighs 40 pounds or more OR is 40 inches tall or more. That’s pretty rare for a toddler under 2.

Here’s why this matters. Rear-facing seats are 500% safer for kids under 2. That’s not a typo. Five hundred percent safer. The rear-facing position protects their head, neck, and spine way better in a crash.

Honestly, this is the part most people get right. But just in case you were wondering about turning that seat around early? Don’t.

Forward-Facing Car Seats (Ages 2 to 8)

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, they move to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. They should stay in this seat until they outgrow it.

Most forward-facing seats work for kids between 40 and 65 pounds. Check your seat’s manual for the exact limits.

Kids should stay in a harnessed seat as long as possible. Each time you “graduate” them to the next level, they lose some protection. Keep them safer longer.

Booster Seats (Usually Ages 4 to 8)

After the forward-facing seat comes the booster seat. Kids need a booster until they’re 8 years old OR 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Booster seats lift your child up so the regular seat belt fits right. The lap belt should sit low on the hips. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the neck or face.

There are two types of boosters. High-back boosters and backless boosters. High-back boosters are way safer, especially in side-impact crashes. They reduce injury risk by 70% compared to seat belts alone. Backless boosters? They don’t provide any meaningful protection in side impacts.

Pretty straightforward, right?

Back Seat Requirements

Here’s something people forget. The law says kids under 8 must ride in the BACK seat.

Not just in a car seat. In the back seat with a car seat.

The only exceptions are if:

Your vehicle has no back seat
The back seats are already full of younger kids
The back seat is broken or unsafe to use
Your vehicle only has side-facing or rear-facing jump seats

Front seats with airbags are especially dangerous for young kids. Never put a rear-facing car seat in a front seat with an active airbag. Never.

Experts recommend kids stay in the back seat until they’re at least 13 years old. The back seat is just safer.

Penalties for Breaking Car Seat Laws

Let me be real with you. These fines add up fast.

Current Penalties (Until 2027)

First offense? Base fine of $100. But here’s the catch. By the time you add court fees and assessments, you’re looking at $150 to $500 total. Ouch.

Subsequent offenses cost even more. Plus, you get a point on your driving record. That point stays there for three years and can raise your insurance rates.

New Penalties (Starting 2027)

Under the new law, failing the 5-Step Test can cost you up to $490 in fines. Some sources say $20 for a first offense and $50 for subsequent ones, but with all the fees? Expect closer to $490.

Hold on, this part is important. If you ignore the ticket entirely, you commit a separate crime under Vehicle Code 40508. That’s a misdemeanor. It carries up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Don’t skip your court date. Seriously.

Who’s Responsible?

This confuses a lot of people.

For kids under 8, the driver is always responsible. Always. Doesn’t matter if it’s your kid, your neighbor’s kid, or a kid you’re carpooling to soccer practice. If you’re driving and the child isn’t properly restrained, you get the ticket.

For kids 8 to 15, there’s a twist. If the child’s parent or guardian is riding as a passenger, they’re responsible instead of the driver. If no parent is present, it falls back to the driver.

Grandparents and babysitters need to know this rule too.

What Makes a Good Car Seat?

Not all car seats are created equal.

High-Back vs. Backless Boosters

I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. High-back boosters are safer. Way safer.

They cost more. Usually $200 to $300 compared to $50 to $150 for backless boosters. They’re also heavier and harder to move between cars. Kids often don’t like them because they’re more visible.

But in a side-impact crash? High-back boosters reduce injury risk by 70%. Backless boosters provide basically zero protection in side impacts.

Your call. But I know which one I’d choose.

Installation Matters

Most car seats are installed wrong. Seriously. Thousands of kids get injured or killed every year because seats aren’t installed properly.

The good news? You can get your car seat checked for free. The California Highway Patrol offers free car seat inspections. Local police and fire departments often do too.

Check the CHP website to find your nearest Area Office. Ask to speak with a child passenger safety technician.

Don’t guess. Get it checked.

The 2027 Changes: What Parents Need to Do Now

Okay, here’s the deal. The new law doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2027. But you should prepare now.

Don’t Throw Away That Booster Seat

If your 8, 9, or 10-year-old just graduated from their booster seat, hang onto it. You might need it again in 2027.

Many kids won’t pass the 5-Step Test until they’re 10, 11, or even 12 years old. Better to have the booster and not need it than scramble to buy one when the law changes.

Practice the 5-Step Test

Sit your kid down and run through the test. Make it a game. Help them understand why proper seat belt fit matters.

If they can’t pass all five steps, they need to stay in the booster. Simple as that.

Check During Growth Spurts

Kids grow in spurts. Your child might fail the test one month and pass it two months later.

Recheck the fit every few months, especially if your kid is going through a growth spurt. Stay on top of it.

Talk to Your Teen

This is probably the trickiest part. Your 13-year-old is NOT going to be happy about riding in a booster seat.

I get it. But safety comes first. Show them the data. Explain that seat belts are designed for adult bodies. When the belt doesn’t fit right, it can cause more harm than good in a crash.

Most teens care about not looking dumb in front of their friends. Help them understand they’ll look way worse if they’re seriously injured because the seat belt didn’t fit.

Special Situations and Exceptions

Life gets complicated. Here are some special cases.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis and rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) must follow the same car seat laws. If you’re traveling with kids under 8, you need to bring a car seat.

Some rideshare companies offer car seats for an extra fee. But honestly? Bring your own. You know it’s installed correctly and hasn’t been in an accident.

Medical Conditions

If your child has a medical condition that makes using a car seat impossible, you need a doctor’s note. Keep it in your car.

Law enforcement can still stop you, but the note should help explain the situation.

Rental Cars

Rental car companies in California must post notices about car seat laws. They also must provide car seats for rent.

But again, bring your own if possible. You don’t know the history of rental car seats. They might have been in accidents. They might be expired. They might be installed wrong.

Your kid’s safety isn’t worth the convenience.

Vehicles Without Back Seats

Got a pickup truck or a two-seater sports car? The law allows kids in the front seat if there’s no back seat.

But turn off the passenger airbag if possible. And make absolutely sure that car seat is installed perfectly.

Why These Laws Exist

You might be thinking, “This is overkill. I turned out fine without all these rules.”

Here’s the thing. Car crashes are the number one cause of death for kids under 14 in the United States. Number one.

Proper car seat use reduces the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Booster seats reduce serious injury risk by 45% for kids ages 4 to 8.

Seat belts are designed for people who are at least 4’9″ tall and weigh about 100 pounds. Smaller people don’t fit properly. In a crash, the belt can cause serious injuries to the neck, abdomen, and spine.

The 5-Step Test isn’t arbitrary. It’s based on decades of research about how seat belts work and how to keep kids safe.

Makes sense, right?

How to Install a Car Seat Correctly

Let me walk you through the basics.

Read the Manual

I know, I know. Nobody reads manuals. But car seat manuals are actually important.

Every car seat is different. Every vehicle is different. The manual tells you exactly how to install YOUR seat in YOUR car.

Read it. Follow it.

Use LATCH or Seat Belt

Modern cars have a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). It’s designed to make installation easier.

You can use LATCH or the vehicle seat belt to secure the seat. Pick one. Don’t use both unless the manual specifically says to.

Check your vehicle’s weight limit for LATCH. Many cars have a combined weight limit of 65 pounds (child plus car seat). Once you exceed that, you must use the seat belt instead.

The Inch Test

Once installed, grab the car seat where the seat belt goes through. Try to move it side to side and front to back.

If it moves more than one inch in any direction, it’s too loose. Tighten it up.

The Pinch Test

For the harness straps, do the pinch test. Buckle your child in. Pinch the strap at their shoulder.

If you can pinch any slack, it’s too loose. Tighten until you can’t pinch any fabric.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Let’s talk about what NOT to do.

Moving to the Next Stage Too Soon

The biggest mistake? Rushing to the next stage. Parents can’t wait to turn that seat around or ditch the booster.

Keep your child in each stage as long as possible. Rear-facing until they max out the seat. Harnessed until they max out the seat. Booster until they pass the 5-Step Test.

Every stage you skip makes them less safe.

Using Expired Car Seats

Car seats expire. Usually after 6 to 10 years. The plastic degrades. The safety standards change.

Check the expiration date on your car seat. It’s usually stamped on the bottom or back. If it’s expired, toss it and buy a new one.

Buying Used Car Seats

I get it. Car seats are expensive. But buying used is risky.

You don’t know if that seat has been in an accident. Even minor accidents can damage the internal structure. The seat might look fine but fail in a crash.

You also don’t know if all the parts are there or if it’s been recalled.

Buy new when possible. Your child’s life is worth it.

Coat and Car Seat Don’t Mix

This surprises people. Puffy winter coats and car seats don’t work together.

The coat compresses in a crash. Suddenly, there’s too much slack in the harness. Your child can be ejected from the seat.

Buckle your child in without the coat. Then put the coat on backwards over the harness or use a blanket.

Loose Harness Straps

The pinch test is crucial. Harness straps should be snug. If you can pinch fabric, tighten them.

Chest clips should sit at armpit level. Not at the belly. Not at the neck. Armpit level.

Resources and Help

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Free Car Seat Checks

California Highway Patrol offers free car seat safety checks. Find your local CHP Area Office on their website.

Many police departments and fire stations also have certified technicians. Call ahead to schedule an inspection.

Car Seat Classes

If you get cited for a car seat violation, the court might order you to attend a car seat safety class. But you don’t have to wait for a ticket.

Many counties offer free car seat safety classes. Some even provide low-cost car seats if you qualify and complete the class.

Online Resources

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a car seat finder tool on their website. It helps you pick the right seat for your child’s age, height, and weight.

SafetyBeltSafe USA is another great resource. They have detailed guides on California car seat laws and installation tips.

Traveling to Other States

Planning a road trip? Car seat laws vary by state.

California has some of the strictest car seat laws in the country. If you’re traveling out of state, California’s laws should cover you. But it’s smart to check.

Some states have weaker requirements. Some have different height or weight limits. Look up the laws for every state you’ll drive through.

And if you’re renting a car in another state, double-check that your car seat installs correctly in that vehicle.

What About School Buses?

Here’s something interesting. School buses don’t require seat belts or car seats in California.

Why? School buses are designed differently. They use something called “compartmentalization.” The high, padded seats protect kids in crashes.

That said, California law doesn’t apply to school buses for car seat requirements. But it DOES apply to other buses, taxis, and regular vehicles.

If you’re driving kids to school in your car, you need car seats.

The Bottom Line

Let me wrap this up.

California’s car seat laws are getting stricter in 2027. The new 5-Step Test will affect kids ages 8 to 16. Many older kids who currently use seat belts will need to go back to booster seats.

Current rules require kids under 8 to use car seats or boosters in the back seat. Kids under 2 must be rear-facing. Penalties range from $100 to $500 or more.

Start preparing now. Keep that booster seat. Practice the 5-Step Test. Get your car seat installation checked by a professional.

And remember, these laws exist for one reason. To keep your kids alive.

Now you know the basics. Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, keep your kid in the booster a little longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my 8-year-old sit in the front seat if they’re tall enough?

Legally, yes, once they turn 8 OR reach 4’9″ tall. But it’s not recommended. The back seat is safer for kids under 13. Airbags can seriously injure young children in the front seat.

What happens if I get pulled over and my child isn’t in a car seat?

You’ll get a ticket. First offense is a $100 base fine, but with fees, expect $150 to $500 total. You’ll also get a point on your license. If you ignore the ticket, you could face jail time and $1,000 in fines.

Do taxi and Uber drivers need to provide car seats?

They must follow the law, but they don’t have to provide seats. You’re responsible for bringing your own car seat when traveling with kids under 8. Some rideshare services offer car seats for a fee, but availability varies.

Can I use a hand-me-down car seat from a friend?

Not recommended. You don’t know if it’s been in an accident or if all the parts are there. Car seats also expire after 6 to 10 years. Check the expiration date. If you don’t know the full history, buy a new one.

My teenager is only 4’7″ tall. Do they really need a booster seat in 2027?

Yes. Under the new law starting January 1, 2027, kids up to age 16 must pass the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test. If they fail even one step, they legally need a booster seat. Height matters more than age for safety.

Where can I get my car seat installation checked for free?

Contact your local California Highway Patrol Area Office. Many police departments and fire stations also have certified child passenger safety technicians who offer free inspections. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.

What if my child has a medical condition that makes car seats impossible?

Get documentation from your doctor explaining the medical necessity. Keep it in your vehicle. Law enforcement may still stop you, but a doctor’s note can help explain the situation and potentially avoid a citation.

Do rental car companies in California have to provide car seats?

Yes. California law requires rental agencies to make car seats available upon request for kids under 10. However, it’s safer to bring your own seat since you know its history and can ensure proper installation.