A booster seat is the third type of child restraint that your child will use, after a rear-facing infant seat and a forward-facing toddler seat. The booster seat represents the last step before your child may begin using adult seat belts. Like all other states, California has its own requirements for proper booster seat use, and it is important that you understand them to keep your child safe and to avoid a citation.
Age and Weight
California law states that until children weigh 60 pounds or reach the age of 6 years, whichever comes first, they must be properly restrained in the back seat of the vehicle. The proper child restraint system varies by each child's age, height, and weight. For a child who weighs 40 to 60 pounds, the appropriate child restraint system is a booster seat, advises the California Highway Patrol.
Vehicle Equipment Exemptions
California law allows you to install a booster seat in the front passenger seat in certain vehicles. If your vehicle has no back seat, has side-facing "jump" seats, or has rear-facing seats in the back, you may install your child's booster seat in the front.
Booster seats also require a lap and shoulder belt for proper installation. If your vehicle is only equipped with lap belts in the back seat, the booster seat may go in the front.
You may also put a booster seat in the front if your vehicle's back seat space or seat belt configuration does not accommodate all the children under age 12 that you must transport.
Medical Exemptions
If your child's pediatrician diagnoses her with a medical condition that prevents her from being safely restrained in a booster seat, the doctor may write a letter explaining this. You may use this letter for a medical exemption to the California booster seat requirements.
Fines
The fine for the first child restraint offense in California is $100, and each subsequent offense costs $250. These fines may be waived if you prove that you have a financial hardship that prevents you from buying a booster seat for your child, and attend a child restraint safety course if one is available within 50 miles of your home.
California law provides that 60 percent of all fines collected go to the local County Health Department. This department uses this money to fund car safety-related programs, including those that provide loaner or low-cost booster seats for low-income families. (See Reference 1) Contact your county's Health Department for availability of these booster seats.
