California Car Seat Laws

🚗 California Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent & Caregiver Should Know

Keeping kids safe on the road is a journey—and it starts with choosing and using the right car seat at every stage. These expert-backed recommendations will help you make confident decisions as your child grows.

If you ever feel unsure or want extra support, visit a Local Car Seat Checkup Event in your community. Trained technicians are ready to help you with installation, adjustments, and any questions — always free, always judgment-free.

Protecting Our Children Starts with Knowing the Law

Whether you’re heading to the grocery store, school, or across town, California law has clear rules designed to keep our youngest passengers safe. These laws aren’t just legal requirements- they're powerful tools that help prevent injuries ad save lives.

Understanding and following California’s child passenger safety laws ensures that every child is protected every mile of the way.

👶 Inside the Vehicle: Car Seat Laws at a Glance

California law: Children must be secured in the proper car seat for their age, weight, and height – no exceptions.

Here’s what the law says:

Children under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall.
Children under 8 years old must be secured in a car seat or booster seat if the belt does not fit properly.
Children 8 to 16 years old must use a properly fitted seat belt or a booster seat if the belt does not fit properly.
All children under 13 years old should ride in the back seat, which is the safest place in the vehicle.

🔎 Why it matters:

Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Every step- from rear-facing to booster – adds a layer of protection tailored to your child’s needs.

🛑 Outside the Vehicle: Know Kaitlyn’s Law

Kaitlyn’s Law (California Vehicle Code Section 15620) was created to protect children from a silent but deadly danger: heatstroke inside parked vehicles.

Here’s what it says:

- It is illegal in California to leave a child 6 years old or younger alone in a car without the supervision of someone at least 12 years old, if the engine is running or the keys are in the ignition – or if there’s a significant risk to the child’s safety.

Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a car can rise to deadly levels in minutes. Children can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, making them especially vulnerable .

🤝 Need Help Understanding the Law ?

Our team is here to help you:

- Choose and install the right car seat
- Understand when your child is ready to move to the next stage
- Get answers about car seat safety and legal requirements
- Schedule a free seat check at a Permanent Car Seat Checking Station near you

💡 Quick Tips to Stay Compliant & Keep Kids Safe

- Double-check that car seats are installed correctly ( most aren’t!)
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle – not even for a minute
- Talk to grandparents, babysitters, and other caregivers about the law
- Set phone reminders to check the back seat before walking away
- Register your car seat with the manufacturer to get safety recall updates

❤️ We All Have a Role in Protecting Children

Whether you’re a parent, guardian, neighbor, or friend – your actions can save a life. Spread the word about California’s car seat and safety laws. Together, we can create a community where every ride is a safe one and no child is ever left behind.