SACRAMENTO, CA - Changes to California's current car-seat law are now in effect as of Jan. 1. The new law requires all kids 8 years old and younger to be in a booster or car seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller.
The former law required children 6 years and younger weighing 60 pounds or less to be seated in a child safety seat.
Safety advocates believe upping the age to 8 will prevent some neck and liver injuries for children not tall enough to be in a standard seat belt.
The only exception to the new law is that children 4 feet 9 inches and taller will be allowed to use a seatbelt without a booster even if under the age of eight.
Find out more about car and booster seat safety and current ratings on the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration website.
You can also make an appointment to have any questions answered or yours installed for free at a CHP office close to you.
Some tips include:
- Right size for child: there are husky seats available for bigger kids
- Belt should be across hips not stomach
- Shoulder belt should be across shoulder, not neck
- Low backseats? CHP suggests a high-back booster to protect head
KXTV/News10