Bill > AB435

This bill updates California's vehicle safety laws related to child passenger restraints, introducing a new 5-Step test for determining proper safety belt usage starting January 1, 2027. The 5-Step test requires that a child: (1) sits all the way back against the auto seat, (2) has knees that bend over the edge of the seat, (3) has a shoulder belt that crosses the center of their chest and shoulder (not their neck), (4) has a lap belt low and touching their thighs, and (5) can maintain this seated position throughout the entire trip. The bill applies these new standards to various vehicle types including motor vehicles, buses, and emergency vehicles, and covers children aged 8 to 16 years old. The changes expand the definition of proper safety belt restraint and will make violations an infraction punishable by fines ($20 for first offense, $50 for subsequent offenses). The legislation aims to improve child passenger safety by providing more specific guidelines for securing children in vehicles, with exceptions for emergency situations, medical conditions, and certain vehicle configurations. The bill also includes a provision that no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB435