When it comes to selecting the right car seat for your child, one size does not fit all. There are three types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing, and the booster, with each best suited to protect a child based on their age and size.
California’s Occupant Protection Law
California law requires all children under two years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall.
Children under the age of 8 are required to be secured in a car or booster seat. Children who are 8 years old OR at least 4’9” may be secured by a booster seat, but at minimum wear a seat belt.
Choosing A Car Seat
Keep your child in rear and forward-facing seats as long as possible. Do not rush to move a child into a booster seat before they are ready. Booster seats are recommended until a child reaches a height of 4’9”.
All children 13 and under should ride in the back seat.
To learn more about finding and using the correct car seat, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Find a Car Seat Check Location
Every local California Highway Patrol (CHP) office does child safety seat checks. Contact your local office for dates, locations and details about car seats, including safety seat check events, by visiting the CHP website.
