In California, what is the minimum age for a passenger vehicle occupant to utilize a safety seat?

In California, the law mandates that all children younger than 8 years old must be secured in a proper child safety seat or booster seat while riding in a vehicle. This regulation is designed to enhance the safety of younger passengers, as children under 8 years old are generally not large enough to rely solely on standard seat belts for adequate protection during a crash. Utilizing an appropriate safety seat or booster aligns with recommendations from safety advocates and child passenger safety experts, ensuring that the restraints are properly fitted to their smaller body frames.

Therefore, understanding the specifics of this law, including the age limit that requires children to be in safety seats, is crucial for ensuring compliance and enhancing the safety of children traveling in vehicles.