Starting Jan. 1, CA Kids 8 To 16 Must Use Car Booster Seat Unless They Pass 'Five-Step Test': RSO

TEMECULA, CA — Riverside County sheriff’s deputies are urging parents and caregivers to double-check their child safety seats as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, running Sept. 21–27.

The annual campaign is aimed at raising awareness about correct seat selection and proper installation, warning that improper use puts young lives at risk.

“When it comes to protecting our youngest passengers, there is no room for guesswork,” sheriff's deputy Eastwood said. “Child Passenger Safety Week is a good reminder of how critical it is to choose the right car seat and ensure it is installed properly.”

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that nearly half of all car seats — 46% — are installed or used incorrectly. When used properly, car seats reduce fatal injury risks by 71% for infants under 1 year old and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4, according to authorities.

Under California law, children under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or stand 40 inches tall or more. All children under 8 years old must remain secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children 8 and older, or those who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may use a seat belt, though booster seats remain recommended until the belt fits properly.

Law enforcement officials are also highlighting upcoming changes to state safety requirements. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 435 will require children ages 8 to 16 to pass the "Five-Step Test" before graduating from a booster seat to a standard seat belt. Authorities encourage parents to begin using the five-step criteria now to evaluate whether their child can safely transition to a seat belt.

For additional traffic and passenger safety information, residents can visit www.gosafelyca.org.