Significant changes are coming to California roads—and they directly affect families with kids. A new law is set to take effect beginning January 1, 2027, extending car seat rules to include children up to 16 years old. That’s right, older kids and young teens may no longer be allowed to ride with just a seat belt unless they pass a safety test.

Let’s break down what this law means for parents, drivers, and guardians.

What’s Changing?

Under Assembly Bill 435, California is revising its regulations for child passenger safety. Currently, most children transition out of booster seats by age 8. But starting in 2027, kids aged 8 to 16 must. If they do not meet all five criteria, they’ll need to stay in a car seat that offers better protection, and families who don’t comply could face fines of up to $490.

Why Extend Car Seat Use?

Every child is built differently. While some 10-year-olds may safely fit into an adult seatbelt, others at 15 still don’t. This law focuses less on age and more on fit and safety.

The extended use of booster seats ensures that seat belts align properly with a child’s body to reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident. Seat belts are designed for adult bodies, and improper fit can do more harm than good in a crash.

What Is the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test?

Here’s how the test works. A child must:

1. Sit with their back flat against the seat.
2. Bend their knees naturally at the seat’s edge.
3. Have the lap belt rest low across their hips, not the stomach.
4. Have the shoulder belt lie across the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
5. Be able to stay seated properly for the entire ride without slouching or moving out of position.

If a child fails to meet even one of these requirements, using a regular seat belt becomes unsafe.

Pass a 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test before they can ride without a car seat or booster.

What Parents Need to Do Now

While the law doesn’t take effect until 2027, it’s never too early to prepare:

• Don’t discard your child’s car seat or booster yet.
• Recheck your child’s seat belt fit regularly, especially during growth spurts.
• Practice the 5-step test together so your child understands the importance.
• Consider upgrading to a high-back booster for extra support if needed.
• Educate teens—many may feel “too old” for a car seat, but safety always comes first.

 Will These Rules Apply to the Front Seat?

Yes. The law continues to discourage children from riding in the front seat until they can pass the 5-step test and fit the seat belt correctly. The back seat remains the safest place for children under 13—and even for some older ones, depending on size and fit.

Conclusion

This isn’t about taking away freedom from older kids—it’s about giving them protection when it matters most. The 2027 law is a bold move in prioritizing child passenger safety by ensuring kids are physically ready for adult seat belts before making the switch.

For parents, this law is a reminder: safety doesn’t stop at age 8. It evolves with your child’s body, growth, and needs.  As we get closer to 2027, staying informed will keep your family safer and help avoid costly fines down the road.