Legislation in California is set to change how children and teens ride in vehicles—so parents should start preparing now.
What’s Changing
The newly passed Assembly Bill 435 updates the state’s child passenger restraint laws and takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Here’s what you need to know:
-
The law raises the minimum age for moving out of a car seat or booster seat to 13 years old, ending the previous rule that allowed children to stop based only on height (4′9″).
-
Beginning in 2027, children ages 10 to 12 must use a booster seat or a child restraint system unless they pass the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test.
-
Children ages 13 to 15 who ride in the front seat must meet all five fit-test requirements to be considered properly restrained.
-
A child under 10 must still ride in the rear seat in an appropriate car seat or booster.
Clearing Up Confusion
Some early reports claimed that children ages 8 to 16 would need to pass the fit test before moving out of a booster, or that drivers could face fines up to $490. Those claims are incorrect.
Under current state law, the penalty for violating child restraint rules remains relatively small—typically $20 for a first offense and $50 for additional offenses—though the cost can rise once court fees are added.
Why It Matters
Advocates say the update is long overdue. Many kids outgrow booster seats by age eight but still don’t fit safely into regular seat belts. The new rule aims to make sure that seat belts actually protect children, not just check a box.
The 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test checks whether a child is ready to ride without a booster:
-
The child can sit all the way back against the seat.
-
Knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat.
-
The shoulder belt crosses the middle of the chest and shoulder—not the neck.
-
The lap belt sits low across the hips and thighs—not the stomach.
-
The child can stay seated like this for the entire ride.
What Parents Should Do Now
-
If your child is between 10 and 12 years old, plan to keep using a booster until they pass the 5-Step Test.
-
For kids 13 to 15, make sure the seat belt fits correctly—especially if they ride in the front.
-
Remember that every car is different; a belt that fits in one vehicle might not in another.
-
Don’t wait until 2027. Start testing now to make sure your child is safe and compliant.
The Bigger Conversation
For parents, the message is clear: safety first—but the details matter. Extending booster seat use could save lives, but it also raises questions about cost, convenience, and how well the rules will be communicated before they take effect.
Your Turn
Is this law overprotection or long overdue?
Safety matters—but for many families, the challenge isn’t willingness, it’s clarity. Booster seats might be sticking around longer, but every parent wants the same thing: a safe ride home.
