California Vehicle Code 27360.5
It is our sole responsibility to make sure that all passengers are safely secure
Child restraints are used improperly daily. You are not alone the misuse of car and booster seats is common and sometime over looked. Every day we leave with the anticipation of a daily safe commute.
Obtaining the proper education and awareness on which child restraint to use for age appropriate children is crucial to abide by California law. First priority before beginning any drive is to make sure a child is correctly restraint.
The CDC encourages drivers to take the following precautions:
- If a driver is unsure of how to correctly install car seats, always read, refer to the user’s manual, or get assistance from a certified safety technician. Child seat stations are located throughout the U.S.
- Set a good example for your children by wearing a seat belt.
- Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are required for every trip no matter how short of a the distance, on every drive.
- The back seat of the car is the safest place for young children to ride.
- It is recommended that any child that is under the age of 12 years old must ride in the back seat.
- Whenever permissible always buckle children in the middle of the back seat. The middle seat provides the safest position for a child to sit in a car.
- Airbags cause death of young children who ride in the front seat. Never allow a child to ride in the front when there is an airbag is present.
- Rear-facing car seats provide a secure ride for babies and toddlers younger than two years who weigh less than 40 pounds and are less than 40 inches as of January 01, 2017
- Kids grow at a fast pace quite often and varies depending on the child. Pre-Kindergarten until kindergarten and up, once a child has reached proper weight and height requirements should remain in booster seat until the seat belt fits properly.
- Any child that is over the age of 16 years old are subject to California’s seat belt law.
What does the California Code say about Child Safety Restraints?
CVC Section 27360.5 highlights that it is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to ensure the child is properly restrained. Responsibility falls on the driver if a parent is not present.
Code also highlights some of the specific logistics of the child restraint regulations based on the age, heigh and weight of the child.
As kids grow necessary safety restraints will change as well. It states that the parent/guardian or driver of the vehicle:
- Drivers shall properly secure a child in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.
- Children shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the child passenger restraint system.
It’s crucial to be knowledgable of manufacturer guidelines for child seats to ensure safety of your child or children traveling in your vehicle. If a child is not properly restrained, not only is the child’s safety at risk, but you are at risk of receiving a citation.
Receive a California Traffic Ticket for Child Safety Restraints?
Fines for a California traffic ticket for “Child Safety Restraints” is up to $489 and one point against your driver’s license.
If you received a traffic ticket under CVC 27360.5, contact our office to discuss how we can help you avoid court, fines, and increased insurance rates. We offer a free citation review.