Car Safety Seat Law

Hello!

We're traveling to L.A. and are wondering what the car seat requirements are... we're a bit confused. I know my 3 months old son has to sit in a rear facing one. What about my 3 year old daughter and 5 year old twins... We are going to have to rent everything so any info would be much appreciated, thanks a bunch!

 

According to google:

They all need to be in the back seat.

3 month old, rear facing
3 year old, forward facing car seat
5 year olds can use a lap belt only in the back seat if they weigh more than 40 pounds.

Which vehicle are you planning on renting? I would honestly suggest a minivan, and get 2 booster seats, and one forward facing car seat and one rear facing car seat.

 

Actually, the car seat law here is "6 or 60." They must be at least 6 years old or 60 pounds to not be in a car seat. Meaning, if you have a 5 year old that weighs 60 or more pounds, he/she would not need to be in a car seat. But if you had a 6 year old that only weighed 50 pounds, he/she also would not need to be in a car seat. Also, I am not recommending in any way that you put a car seat in the front seat, but I am fairly sure it is not an actual law that car seats can't be in the front seat, just a strong recommendation.

Edited to Add: Though I do believe you are not allowed to have a rear facing child seat in the front (which, of course, we all know).

 

Here is a link to the information on child seats in the California Driver's handbook.

 

:good:

From what I understand, you can put a child in the front if you have no other seats available.
Have fun!

 

100 percent on the money... btw... the reason they say no children under 11 years in the front seat is because of the airbags. Airbags are extremely dangerous for young children and have the ability to decapitate them... happened i believe here in california many years ago in the 90's to i believe an 8 year old. So sad... if you put them in the front seat make sure you can turn off the airbag.

 

I second the recommendation to rent a minivan. I have four children, and I just cannot imagine trying to cram them into something smaller. In TN the law is 8 yrs AND 80 lbs (so they must meet both requirements). I would get boosters for the 5 yos just because it helps them see out the window, which is very useful on long drives. (Disclaimer: I have never had a DVD player in any vehicle I've owned.)

 

Thank you so much! I was trying to actually see if my 5 year old twins could go without a carseat.. info is so helpful, you ladies are wonderful!