Daniel Carter | March 5, 2025 | Car Accidents near Fresno, CA
The transition from sitting in the back seat to sitting in the front seat is a big moment in the life of both a child and a parent. While many children find this change fun, riding in the front does expose young passengers to more hazards, such as head injuries.
It’s understandable that Fresno parents want to know the law and weigh all of the safety concerns carefully before making that transition.
California Front Seat Requirements
California’s child restraint laws state that children must remain in a car seat or booster seat in the backseat of a vehicle until they are either 8 years old or reach a height of 57 inches (4’9”). Other conditions that allow a child to sit in the front seat include:
- All the rear seats are occupied by smaller or younger children
- The child has medical exemptions
- The vehicle’s rear seats are side-facing jump seats
- There are no rear seats
- The appropriate restraint system cannot be installed in a rear seat
All children and adults are required to use restraints, such as a properly fitted seat belt. Child passenger restraint systems must be regularly adjusted as your child grows. Your local fire department or law environment agency can check the restraint system for safety and legal qualifications.
Keeping Your Child Safe In The Car
According to the Centers for Disease Control, injuries from motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among U.S. children. Following safety laws and regulations won’t guarantee your child’s safety as a passenger, but it can reduce the risk of injury if you are involved in an auto accident.
One reason for the age and height recommendations is concern about the safety of airbags. Airbags are designed to protect adult passengers. This means children under the age of 13 may be at a higher risk of being harmed when an airbag deploys.
Regular seat belts can also increase the risk of injury for children or adults under 4’9”. Keeping your child in a booster seat secured in the back seat for as long as possible is often the safest option.
Several agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also provide guidelines that align with these California requirements. The guidelines include:
- Birth to 2 Years: All infants and toddlers should be placed in rear-facing car seats until reaching the height and weight recommendations allowed by the product manufacturer
- 2 to 4 Years: If the child meets the height and weight recommendations from the car seat manufacturer, they can move to a front-facing car seat
- 4 to 8 Years: Children should use a back-seat booster seat that’s appropriate for their weight and height
Once the child reaches the age of 13 or meets other requirements, they may sit in the front seat using only a seat belt for a restraint.
Child restraint laws are a matter of safety. If your child is involved in a car or truck accident, the correct restraint and the proper placement could prevent serious or even fatal injuries.
California’s “Click It Or Ticket” Campaign
California debuted its “Click It or Ticket” campaign in 2005. The program has helped increase seat belt use by both fining and educating parents about safety regulations. The fine for not properly restraining a child under 16 is currently $490 in California. Following seat belt laws at all times can help you avoid this hefty fine.
Child Restraint Laws Save Lives
Whether you are driving two blocks to school or from San Diego to Eureka, it’s crucial to properly restrain young passengers. Seat belt and positioning laws may seem like a hassle at times, but guidelines are based on scientific research and are intended to save lives.
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