California’s New Booster Seat Law Will Require Kids and Teens Up to Age 16 to Pass a Safety Fit Test
SACRAMENTO, CA — California lawmakers have approved a major update to the state’s child passenger safety laws, expanding booster seat requirements to include some teens up to 16 years old.
The new measure, Assembly Bill 435, was signed into law this month and is scheduled to take effect in 2027, aiming to close safety gaps that officials say put smaller passengers at risk in vehicle collisions.
New Safety Rules for Older Kids and Teens
Under the updated law, children and teens ages 8 to 16 will now need to pass what’s known as the “five-step test” to determine whether they can safely ride without a booster seat.
The test checks for the following:
- The child can sit back against the seat with knees bent naturally over the edge.
- The seat belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and arm.
- The lap belt rests low across the hips, not the stomach.
- The child can stay seated comfortably in this position for the entire ride.
- The shoulder belt stays properly positioned even when moving.
If the child fails any of these checks, they must continue using a booster seat until they can safely fit the seat belt system on their own.
Why the Law Was Expanded
Safety experts and lawmakers behind Assembly Bill 435 said the change was necessary after studies showed that many older children and smaller teenagers were improperly restrained, increasing the risk of serious injury during accidents.
“Car seat laws haven’t caught up with reality,” said State Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, who introduced the bill. “Some 10- to 12-year-olds are still too small for adult seat belts to fit correctly. This law ensures every child and teen rides safely.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all children ages 8–12 who died in crashes in recent years were not properly buckled or were using seat belts that didn’t fit them safely.
Parents and Law Enforcement Preparing for 2027 Rollout
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Patrol will begin rolling out public awareness campaigns in 2026 to educate families about the new requirements and proper booster seat use.
Violations after the law takes effect could result in fines of up to $475, depending on the number of offenses and whether injuries are involved.
Local law enforcement agencies said the focus will be on education before enforcement, ensuring parents understand how to test seat belt fit at home and choose the right booster models.
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Safety Over Style
While the idea of teenagers using booster seats has sparked online debate and jokes, safety advocates say it’s a small price to pay for protection.
“The goal isn’t to embarrass anyone,” said CHP spokesperson Officer Carlos Rivera. “It’s about physics — smaller passengers need proper belt positioning so that the restraints protect them the way they’re designed to.”
The law is expected to save lives and reduce injuries among children and teens involved in car crashes. Officials hope California’s lead will encourage other states to re-examine outdated seat belt laws as well.
For updates on traffic safety laws and community initiatives, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
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