California Rear Facing Seats Law

Rear-Facing Law

• California law states that parents and other drivers must properly secure all children under the age of six in a federally approved child passenger restraint system. The law, however, does not define what a "proper" device is. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is among several agencies that provide guidance. CHP explains that babies must ride rear-facing in an infant car until they reach a minimum of 1 years old and weigh at least 20 lbs.

Air Bags

• It is against California's child restraint law to place children who use a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a motor vehicle in front of an active passenger air bag. This regulation also applies to children under 1 years old or less than 20 lbs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that if an air bag activates it can strike the back of the car seat, where your infant's head rests. This impact can lead to serious injury or death.

Transition to Forward-Facing

• Weight limits on rear-facing infant seats vary from model to model. AAP reports that some go up to 35 lbs. Convertible car seats get their name because you can "convert" them from rear-to-forward-facing. Convertible car seats tend to have higher rear-facing weight plateaus, but they do not have the carrying handle commonly seen on infant-only car seats. When your child reaches the rear-facing weight limit on a convertible seat---refer to the manufacturer's instructions for this number---you can move it to the forward-facing position.

Enforcement

• California punishes offenders of its child restraint law equally. It does not matter if you violate a rear-facing provision or one governing older children. Your first offense can carry a fine of $100, while your second and all subsequent violations carry a $250 fine. In both cases, the court can waive the fine if you prove economic disadvantage. Under a financial hardship scenario, the state requires you to complete an educational course on the proper use of a child passenger safety systems.

Expert Insight

• According to AAP, your child should ride home from the hospital after birth in a rear-facing car seat. If your baby is premature, however, the Academy suggests testing a rear-facing seat in the hospital prior to your departure. In some cases, premature babies cannot ride safely in a reclined position. If this is so, your best bet, claims AAP, is to use a crash-tested car bed.