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California has separate seat belt laws for children, adults, and pregnant women. While this may sound complicated, learning about these requirements can critically enable you to avoid paying violation fines and penalties.

This article was put together to assist you with navigating the Golden State’s seat belt rules.

Once you’re done reading it, you will understand what the laws generally look like, how they pertain to children from different age groups, what the violation fines are, and more.

Seat Belt Laws in California

In short, California’s seat belt laws requires:

• Front seat passengers to wear a seat belt.
• Those sitting in the back seat to do the same (this is a new rule).
• Children that are 16 years old or younger to have the appropriate seat belts fastened.

For that matter, California’s traffic laws set out specific requirements that apply to children. If you don’t abide by them, you may receive a citation.

Children Car Seat Laws in California

In the Golden State, the seat belt laws for kids depend on the child’s age.

Children Under the Age of 2

If you have a son or daughter who is 2 years old or younger, they need to sit in a rear-facing seat that has a five-point harness. In addition, you must follow the seat manufacturer’s directions for securing your child based on their height and weight.

The only exceptions to this rule are kids who are below the age of 2 and weigh more than 40 pounds or are at least 40-inches tall. That is to say, these children may observe the seat belt laws that pertain to 2 to 8 year olds.

Children Under the Age of 8

When your boy or girl is between the ages of 2 and 8 (or younger, but exceeds 40 pounds or inches in weight or length, respectively), they can start riding in a booster seat or one that is designed for kids at their age.

These seats aren’t necessarily rear facing. However, the child must still sit in the back of the car.

If you have a kid who is older than 8 years of age or taller than 4 feet and 9 inches (4′ 9″), they are allowed to sit in a regular/adult seat as long as their belt is fastened.

Having said that, it is recommended to keep using a child or booster seat until you feel that your son or daughter is ready to move on from them.

Children Older Than 16 Years of Age

Once your child reaches their sixteenth birthday or, if younger, demonstrates that they don’t need a booster seat, the same laws that apply to adults will pertain to them.

To clarify, these kids can sit on a regular seat. Just as importantly, they must buckle their seat belts. Otherwise, enforcement officers might give them a ticket and/or fine.

Penalties for Not Wearing the Proper Seat Belt in California

Drivers and riders that don’t appropriately wear their seat belts could face the following penalties:

• Adults: $162 for driving or riding with an unbuckled seat belt.
• Children: $490 for when they don’t fasten their belt or sit in an improper seat.

Keep in mind that the Golden State’s seat belt rules have been in place for decades, and law enforcement officers strictly implement them.

When was the first time it became mandatory to buckle up in California?

California initially required drivers to fasten their seat belts on January 1st, 1986, which is more than 35 years ago.

Since then, the laws have evolved as new vehicle designs and seat sizes entered the market.

What is the proper way to buckle up?

Firstly, you need to pull the shoulder belt so that it goes across the middle of your chest and doesn’t rest on your neck.

Secondly, you want the lap belt to be around your hips, rather than your stomach.

Above all, you should never place the shoulder belt behind your back or beneath your arm. This prevents it from keeping you secure in the event of an accident or crash.

Meanwhile, there are special seat belt rules that particularly apply to pregnant women. They are as follows:

• Although the shoulder belt has to be away from the neck, it can’t be entirely removed off the shoulder.
• Similarly, the shoulder belt would go across the chest and in between the breasts.
• Lastly, but certainly not least, is to secure the lap belt in a way that it goes around the hips and pelvic bone. Removing slack away from the belt could help the rider attain this position.

To summarize, both front and back-seat passengers are required to abide by California’s seat belt laws. Parents must also know how to correctly seat and buckle their children based on their age, weight, and/or height.

In the same vein, adults, in general, and pregnant women, in particular, have to fasten their seat belts the right way.

By understanding and following these rules, you will avoid incurring hefty fines and penalties and drive in a safe and secure manner.