Car safety is one of the most critical topics in the automotive world, and California is often seen as a state that drives it forward. Now, the Golden State is considering legislation that would ban teens from riding in the front seat. Additionally, it could create stricter guidelines for car booster seats. The bill faces opposition from both the left and the right, but many agree it includes some valid points regarding safety. Naturally, it would also lead to more traffic citations.

The bill is intended to increase car safety, but some see it as an intrusion on freedoms

Studies related to car safety show that children and teens have greater risks when it comes to car accidents. Because of this, it’s understandable why a state like California would take up the issue. According to Desert Sun, a new bill in the state, AB 435, would ban many teens from riding in the front seat. Of course, many consider riding up front a rite of passage. 

The new bill contains quite a bit of language. First, it would ban teens up to 16 who aren’t tall enough to be front-seat passengers to enhance car safety. Regardless of age, the law wouldn’t permit anyone under 13 to ride in the front. Additionally, the bill requires all children under 10 to use car booster seats. Children as old as 13 who the state deems not tall enough would also need to use a booster seat. 

Current California car safety laws require booster seats until a child is 8 years old or 4 foot 9 inches tall. Still, the state recommends that children under 13 use the rear seats of a vehicle. Recently, the Assembly Transportation Committee voted to advance the controversial piece of legislation. If it passes, drivers would face $20 traffic citations for the first offense, and they would be $50 for subsequent offenses. 

Many democrats in California support the new measure and see it as a way to enhance car safety. However, some on the left believe it could lead to profiling. Republican Assemblymember Tom Lackey, a retired police officer, highlighted another issue. He said, “Determining the age of children is very difficult to do when you have no verifying identification at that age level. So you’re going to have to trust the parents. So far, Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to comment. 

If it passes, this would go into place for 2027. See the car safety height guidelines below:

• Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?
• Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
• Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm, resting on the collarbone?
• Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
• Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?