Vehicles: child passenger restraints.

Assembly Member Wilson's vehicle safety legislation revises California's child passenger restraint requirements, establishing new age-based standards for how children must be secured in motor vehicles. Beginning January 1, 2027, the measure requires children under 10 years old to use appropriate child restraint systems in rear seats, while those aged 10-13 must either use restraint systems or meet specific criteria for using regular safety belts.

The bill introduces a "5-Step Test" to determine when children between 10-13 years old may transition from child restraints to standard safety belts. This assessment verifies that the child can sit properly with their back against the seat, knees bent at the edge, and both shoulder and lap belts positioned correctly across their body. Children aged 13-16 may only ride in front seats if they satisfy these same positioning requirements.

The legislation modifies requirements for various transportation providers. Bus operators must ensure passengers under 16 use appropriate restraints. Car rental agencies must provide child restraint systems for customers traveling with children under 10 and post notices about the law's requirements. Hospitals and medical facilities must inform parents of children under 10 about restraint requirements and provide resources for proper installation.

The measure maintains existing exemptions for medical conditions and emergency situations while adding new provisions for special circumstances, such as when rear seats are unavailable or already occupied by young children. Courts retain authority to grant exemptions based on physical conditions or when appropriate restraint systems are unavailable.