Car Seat Laws In California: 2026 Updates

Current California Car Seat Laws and Requirements

California requires children under two to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless they are over 40 pounds or 40 inches. Once they graduate from rear-facing car seats, they must ride in a forward-facing seat or booster seat until they are eight years old or over four feet, nine inches.

Age and Size Requirements for Car Seats

All children under eight or four feet, nine inches must use some form of child restraint.

California's 2027 Car Seat Law Changes (Assembly Bill 435)

A new law goes into effect on January 1, 2027, that redefines how to determine whether a child is properly restrained in a seat belt. The goal is to ensure that parents do not move children out of booster seats too early.

The 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test

Under the new law, “properly restrained” means that the person meets the following five requirements:

1. They can sit with their back against the seat
2. Their knees can bend over the edge of the seat
3. The shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder rather than the neck
4. The lap belt touches their thighs rather than their abdomen
5. They can remain in this position for the entire trip

This test would not be satisfied if the child’s thigh length or torso height is too small for the vehicle’s seats.

When to Transition From Car Seat to Booster Seat

Although the law does not specify when a child transitions from a car seat to a booster seat, best practices recommend keeping the child in a forward-facing seat until they outgrow its manufacturer’s specifications.

Front Seat vs. Back Seat Safety Requirements

Children under eight must ride in the rear seat unless all the rear seats are occupied by other children or the vehicle lacks rear seats. If the child rides in the front seat, the state recommends disabling the passenger front airbag.

Penalties and Fines for Non-Compliance

Violations of the state’s child seat laws are punished by fines. A first offense is a $100 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a $250 fine. Violators do not face jail time since this is an infraction rather than a misdemeanor.

Contact ConsumerShield to Learn More About Car Seat Laws in California

You may need legal assistance if you have a potential claim for your child’s car accident injury. Contact ConsumerShield for a free case review and California personal injury lawyer referral.