Bill > AB435

This bill updates California's child passenger restraint and safety belt laws, with key changes taking effect on January 1, 2027. The bill introduces a comprehensive "5-Step test" to determine when children can be safely secured by a safety belt instead of a child passenger restraint system. Under the new law, children under 10 years old must be in a child passenger restraint system in the rear seat, while children between 10 and 13 can use a safety belt if they meet the 5-Step test criteria (which includes sitting all the way back against the seat, having knees that bend over the seat edge, having the shoulder belt cross the center of the chest, having the lap belt low on the thighs, and being able to maintain the position for the entire trip). The bill also prohibits children between 13 and 15 from sitting in the front seat unless they are acceptably restrained by a safety belt using the 5-Step test. Additionally, the bill updates requirements for hospitals, car rental agencies, and buses, expanding the age range for child safety seat and safety belt regulations from the previous law. Car rental agencies must now provide child restraint systems for children under 13, and hospitals must discuss child passenger safety with parents of children 13 and under. By expanding these safety requirements, the bill aims to reduce injuries and fatalities involving children in motor vehicles.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

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