Elementary School Families Score 190 Booster Seats Courtesy of Livermore Police, AAA

Announcement, photo submitted by Livermore Police:

AAA Northern California graciously donated 283 booster seats to the Livermore Police Department. Over the past two days we gave out 190 seats to Livermore families at Jackson Ave. Elementary School. Almost 200 children are now riding safer in their family vehicles.

Many families were surprised to learn that you can’t throw out that booster seat on a child’s 8th birthday. California has two child restraint laws and both carry 1 point on your driver’s license and a $500.00 fine.

27360 VC- states that a child must ride in a car seat or booster seat until age 8.

27360.5 VC- states children age 8 through age 15 must ride in a child restraint or a PROPERLY fitted seat belt.

A PROPERLY fitted seat belt is defined by: The lap portion of the belt is worn over the strong hip or thigh bones and the shoulder belt is worn crossing the child’s chest.

Most 8-9 year olds are simply too small for a seat belt that was designed to fit an adult man. Here is a simple 5-Step test to see if your child 8 years of age or older can safely and legally wear a seat belt.

1. Is the child sitting tall so his/her whole back is touching the seatback?
2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt touching the thighs or hips
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, the child still needs a booster to ride safely in this car.

For more information or how to get your car seat inspected email Officer Traci Rebiejo at Officer.Carseat@cityoflivermore.net or call (925) 371-4858.