California bill would keep some teens in the back seat until they’re 16

A bill advancing in the California State Legislature could change how millions of children ride in vehicles.

Last week, the Assembly Transportation Committee voted in favor of advancing AB 435, which would require all children under 10 to use booster seats and ban children under 13 from sitting in the front seat.

Under current California law, kids must use booster seats until they are 8 years old or reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

The bill’s author, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), cited national statistics that show child injuries and fatalities in crashes have increased since the pandemic, and kids 8 to 12 are disproportionately affected. She argues that vehicle restraints and airbags are generally designed for adults.

“God forbid something happens; we want our children to be safe,” Wilson told the committee.

In order to sit in the front seat, a child would need to pass a five-step test:

1. The child must be seated all the way back against the car seat.
2. The child’s knees must bend comfortably over the edge of the seat.
3. The shoulder belt fits snugly across the center of the child’s chest and shoulder, not the neck.
4. The lap belt sits as low as possible, touching the child’s or ward’s thighs.
5. The child can remain seated in this position for the entire trip.

In theory, this means shorter teens could be required to stay in the back seat until they can drive.

Violations would carry a $20 ticket for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent violation.

Wilson’s bill has the backing of several influential public health and safety groups, including AAA, the Automobile Club of Southern California and Rady Children’s Hospital.

If the bill becomes law, it will take effect in 2027.