Child Restraint Law and Car Seat Inspection Information
Properly secure all children riding in your car before every trip.
Thousands of children are injured or killed every year by safety seats that are improperly fastened by parents or caretakers. Remember,most collisions occur within a mile of the home - so buckle your child in a safety seat for every trip, no matter how short.
California Law: Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
- Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat.
- Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9" in height must be secured by a safety belt
- Passengers who are 16 years of age and over are subject to California's Mandatory Seat Belt Law.
- Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Also, seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.
Car Seat Inspection / Installation
The following agencies offer child safety seat inspection and installation assistance by appointment only:
- San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (650) 257-3400 (Ext. 5) or https://www.smcsheriff.com/child-safety-seat-inspections
- California Highway Patrol – Redwood City Office, 355 Convention Way, Redwood City (650) 779-2700 or schedule an appointment online at www.tinyurl.com/330cs
- AAA members can contact Redwood City AAA Office, 510 Veterans Blvd. Suite A, Redwood City (650) 216-3100
