We have had it drilled into our heads just how important ‘buckling up’ is for protecting yourself and others in case of an accident. Regarding our children, we would do anything to protect them, including following the latest research and guidance on the safest ways to secure them as passengers in your car.
From running errands to dropping off the kids at school, accidents can happen at a moment’s notice. Most car crashes occur within just one short mile of your home.
This guide covers the latest methods to secure your child in a safe seat properly and the California car seat laws you must comply with to avoid costly penalties, tickets, and risk of injury (or worse).
California Car Seat Laws in 2025
California has one of the most comprehensive, robust, and complicated rules regarding driving and travel on its roadways. From California car insurance minimums to complicated child car seat rules.
In the California Vehicle Code, car seat laws stipulate that all children passengers in motor vehicles under the age of two be secured in a ‘rear-facing’ car seat in the vehicle’s backseat.
However, some exceptions can complicate things for concerned parents. In addition to this ‘age rule,’ some children may need to continue riding in a rear-facing car seat if they have yet to reach a certain weight or height threshold set by the state.
California Car Seat Rules By Age
Infants Up to 2 Years of Age
If your child is under two years of age, they must be safely secured in a backward-facing car seat. However, there is an exception to this rule about infant car seats. If your child is two years or younger AND weighs 40 lbs or more, or is 40 or more inches tall, they are exempt from this requirement.
That doesn’t mean you don’t need a child seat. It simply means they do not need to be in a rear-facing car seat. The car seat must be the proper size for your child and meet any applicable federal safety standards.
Toddlers and Children Between 2-8 Years of Age
Suppose your child is between the ages of 2-8. In that case, California requires that the child be secured in an age- and size-appropriate car seat situated in the rear seat of the vehicle until that child reaches a height of 4' 9" or taller. When the child reaches a height of 4' 9" or more they may legally be upgraded to a ‘booster seat’ and seat belt combination.
Children Between the Ages of 8-16
They grow up so fast, don’t they? If your child is between eight and sixteen, you have more options. In all cases, you should use your best judgment regarding the proper size of the car seat, booster seat, or standard (regular) seatbelt option for travel.
Children Over 16 Years of Age (and on through adulthood)
Any child age 16 or older must be secured by a standard safety belt subject to federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulations. This safety belt law is standard throughout every state, including California. In other words, your vehicle’s factory-installed seatbelt should be used appropriately, from shoulder to waist.
California Infant Car Seat Requirements Can Be Confusing
As a busy and cautious parent, you have enough to worry about without stressing over complex and nuanced state laws about car seats.
When all else fails, use the ‘40-40-4 rule’ to stay compliant and safe on California roadways.
All you need to remember is this:
- 40 or more inches tall
- 40 or more pounds on the scale
- Or 4+ years old
If your child is under any of those (i.e., less than 40 lbs, less than 40" tall, or younger than 4 years of age), they must remain in a rear-facing backseat car seat.
PRO TIP: No current exception is allowed for any child under two years of age, no matter how tall or heavy they are.
Making the switch from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing one is something all parents look forward to. But you must be careful not to make the switch too early.
Once your child meets the aforementioned height or weight requirements and is over two years old, they qualify for the switch.
Similar to a rear-facing seat, a front-facing car seat must still be placed on the back seat and should make use of a five-point harness.
Because the guidelines for each model are unique, always follow the requirements and setup provided by the manufacturer of the child car seats.
IMPORTANT: Never put a front-facing child seat in the front of the car. If deployed, air bags can cause serious injury or even death.
When Can I Switch My Child to a Front-Facing Car Seat?
All parents look forward to switching from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing one. But you must be careful not to make the switch too early.
Once your child meets the height or weight requirements mentioned earlier and is over two years old, they qualify for the switch.
Similar to a rear-facing seat, a front-facing car seat must still be placed on the back seat and should make use of a five-point harness.
Because the guidelines for each model are unique, always follow the requirements and setup provided by the manufacturer of the child car seats.
IMPORTANT: Never put a front-facing child seat in the front of the car. If deployed, airbags can cause serious injury or even death.
When to Make the Switch from a Front-Facing Car Seat to a Booster Seat in California
Seatbelts are designed to fit adults, not children. In an accident, this improper fit can lead to severe injuries. But if your child has outgrown their front-facing car seat, what’s next?
Using a booster seat is the next logical progression. Booster seats are typically designed for children between the ages of 4-8. These seats use belts and straps engineered to fit your child’s more petite frame and provide superior protection. Sometimes, car seats are convertible into booster seats. These convertible car seats are called forever car seats because they will last from toddler age until the child can ride without a car seat.
TIP: Generally, your child should continue using a booster seat until they reach 4' 9" or more in height.
Riding in the Back Seat is Required by Law In California
In California, any child under two years of age must be secured in THE BACK seat of the vehicle. Under current law, no child under eight is allowed to sit up front.
In any vehicle with airbags, it is illegal to strap in a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat. However, there are a few exceptions.
Exceptions:
- The vehicle does not have a backseat (i.e., a coupe, truck, or two-seater)
- The back is already occupied by children younger than the one in front
- Installation of a car seat in the rear is dangerous (i.e. broken seat belts)
- The back seats of the vehicle are rear-facing or side-facing (i.e. jump seats)
- There is some sort of extenuating circumstance as to why the backseat cannot be used without risking the safety of the child
Stay Safe and Legal in 2025 in California
We hope you enjoyed this guide on car seat safety and seat belt laws. The car safety information within it helps keep you and your family safe and legal when traveling on California roadways. Since laws are constantly in flux, always be sure to check yearly for any new updates, such as new California Car Registration Fees.
Make sure you have the proper car insurance coverage. Insurance Navy provides Cheap Car Insurance in California for all cars and drivers. Get a free car insurance quote today!
