When can a child stop using a car seat in California?
Jessica Wood
Updated on January 18, 2026
California Law
(California Vehicle Code Section 27360.) Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.What are the height and weight requirements for a booster seat in California?
According to California State Law, children must be seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9″ tall. Children must remain in a rear facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall.Does an 8 year old need a car seat in California?
California's Occupant Protection LawChildren under the age of 8 are required to be secured in a car or booster seat. Children who are 8 years old OR at least 4'9” may be secured by a booster seat, but at minimum wear a seat belt.
Does 7 years old need a car seat?
Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt. You can choose a child car seat based on your child's height or weight.When can a child switch to a booster seat in California?
Booster Seats in CaliforniaA child is ready for a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight or height limit of their forward-facing harnesses. This usually occurs around 65 pounds.
California Child Seat Laws
Does a 7 year old need a booster seat in California?
California LawChildren under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.
What age can you leave a child home alone in California?
Some states, such as California, offer little guidance, with no minimum age set for when children can be left home alone. The majority of states with laws cite 12 years old as the cutoff, while some states lean younger, including Maryland and Georgia at 8 years and Kansas at six.When can my child ride without a booster seat?
Children should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly, typically when children reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age.Is a booster seat safe for a 7 year old?
Consumer Reports and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that kids use booster seats until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and 8 to 12 years old. But many children are moved out of their booster too soon.What seat should a 7 year old be in?
Children 4 through 7 years and less than 57 inches tall should use a booster seat. Adult seat belts are allowed at 8 years old or more than 57 inches tall.Can my 9 year old sit in the front seat in California?
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in California? Under the law, children who are older than 8 years and taller than 4”9' can sit in the front seat but it is recommended by experts that you use booster seats until the age of 13.How old do you have to be to sit in the front seat in California 2020?
Child Restraint System and Safety SeatsChildren under 8 years old may ride in the front seat of a vehicle in a federally-approved child passenger restraint system under the following instances: There is no rear seat.