Buckle Up...Be Safe! (continued)

• Parents present when their children are in any vehicle, regardless of whether or not the parent is driving or owns the vehicle. In other words, if the parent is present, it is the parent, not the driver, who will receive the citation.
• Any driver transporting children when the parent is not present.
• Parents driving or riding in rental vehicles or any other driver of a rental vehicle if the parent is not present.

The law also requires retailers to sell only child passenger seats that conform to all federal safety standards.

If you spot improperly secured children in a vehicle, you can call (800) TELL-CHP to report the license number. The CHP will send a warning (not a ticket) to the registered owner.

What Happens If You Are In Violation Of The Law?

Any law enforcement officer can issue a warrant to appear in court. Charges may be dismissed only on the first offense, if the
person charged can produce proof in court that a child passenger seat has been obtained and/or the person has attended a
program providing education in the use of child passenger seat restraint systems. Failure to use a car seat can result in a
citation and a fine of up to $270 on first offense and $675 on second offense. Special note: You can also receive a citation
for any passenger over 6 or under 16 years who is not using an available seat belt. Passengers over age 16 who are not using
seat belts can be cited individually.

The Reasons Why We Have A Child Restraint Law

Automobile crashes are a leading cause of death and injury for young children. In California, 39 children under four were killed in traffic collisions in 1999. Only seven of the children were properly secured in safety seats. Many deaths and injuries could be prevented if every child was properly restrained.

Exceptions To The Law:

1) School buses and motor vehicles designed for more than 10 occupants. 2) emergency vehicles. 3) children for whom use of a car seat would be impractical because of physical unfitness, medical condition or size; and 4) drivers who use seat belts instead of car seats in a life-threatening emergency if the child is at least one year old.

Tips to Remember When Buying A Car Seat

• Read the label; make sure it says the seat conforms to all applicable federal safety standards.
• Choose a seat which is appropriate for your child’s weight, age, height and behavior.
• Not all models fit in all cars. Try the car seat before you buy it; be sure it fits your car’s seats and seat belts.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A car seat can only fully protect your child if it is properly installed and used according to directions.

Buying A Safe Seat Isn’t Enough

A seat isn’t safe, unless you install it properly and use it correctly every time you transport your child. Install the car seat in the rear seat of your car. Passenger airbags are a potential danger to small children. Never place an infant or child under age 12 in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag. Save the manufacturer’s instruction manual in a place where you can find it, for instance the glove compartment of the vehicle carrying the car seat. As your child grows, refer to the instructions to make sure you are still using the seat properly.