Vehicles: child safety seats.

Existing law requires a parent, legal guardian, or the driver of a motor vehicle to properly secure a child under 8 years of age in an appropriate passenger restraint system while the child is riding in a motor vehicle. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. This bill would require a parent, legal guardian, or the driver of a motor vehicle to properly secure a child who is under 2 years of age in an appropriate rear-facing child passenger restraint system, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches in height. Because a violation of these requirements would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.