There is confusion sometimes when it comes to the law on childseat safety.  Here’s the law from the California Highway Patrol’s website:

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New law beginning January 1, 2002

It says…

Children MUST be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds.

Remember: All children under 16 must ride properly buckled up. The cost of a violation is a $270 fine and a point on your driving record.

Child safety seat tips

  • Best place for a child is in the back seat.
  • Babies ride rear-facing and reclined (45-degree angle) until 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
  • Toddlers ride forward-facing and upright with a harness until 40 pounds.
  • Children who are over 40 pounds or have outgrown the harness system use a lap and shoulder belt-positioning booster seat.

When You Choose a Safety Seat or Booster Seat

Select a seat that fits your child. One type does not fit all.
Be sure the seat fits in your vehicle.
Choose a seat that is easy to install correctly.

INFANT SEAT

Infant seats are installed rear-facing only. Designed to recline at a 45-degree angle. May be used with or without the detachable base.

WHEN YOU INSTALL ANY SAFETY SEAT

  • Always follow the child safety seat and vehicle instruction manuals.
  • Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an airbag.
  • Be sure the vehicle’s seat belt is routed correctly.
  • Do you need a locking clip? Consult safety seat and vehicle manuals.
  • Fasten the safety seat tightly with the vehicle seat belt.
  • Fit the child safety seat harness snugly to the child.

BOOSTER SEAT

Booster seat raises the child so the car’s lap and shoulder belt fit properly and child’s knees bend naturally.

Child should use booster seat if:

Weighs 40-80 pounds. Seat belts don’t fit properly until children weigh about 80 pounds and are 4′9″ tall.

There are two common types:

High-back Booster Seat
Protect’s child’s head and neck. Use if car’s seat back is lower than child’s ears.

Backless Booster Seat
Use if the seat back is higher than child’s ears.

Never use a safety seat or booster seat if you don’t know its history or if it has been involved in a crash.

Assist the CHP in educating motorists who don’t buckle up their children. Report unrestrained children by calling 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247).

Need help with your safety or booster seat? Call your local CHP office – telephone numbers are available at www.chp.ca.gov.

For additional information visit:
www.carseat.org
www.aap.org/family/cps.htm
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/

CHP 932  (1/2002)

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