Question maybe a dumb question re: CA new law

seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #1

If they are NOT 8 yrs or 4'9", but pass the 5-step test, is it still illegal for them to ride without a booster?

DS1 (turns 8 end of Feb) goes home after school with a friend 1x a week and then to Cub Scouts with them. I don't send his booster because he rides in the 3rd row of their Acura MDX and passes the 5 step-test back there (feet touch the ground and belt fits properly). Now that the CA law has been updated, do I need to now send his backless and tell the mom to have him sit in the 2nd row? Or is it ok for him to ride as usual in the back without anything? I'm thinking this is a no-brainer, but I want to be sure before I talk to my friend (the mom).

 

skitle1802

New member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #2

Nope he needs a booster until his birthday. Unless he meets one of the exemptions, like no shoulder belt.

That's my understanding.

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seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #3

skitle1802 said:

Nope he needs a booster until his birthday. Unless he meets one of the exemptions, like no shoulder belt.

That's my understanding.

Sent from my iPhone using Car-Seat.Org

Click to expand...

That's what I figured. Just kind of hoping I was wrong since I feel silly making him lug his seat when he fits fine without it in the back row. At least he'll be 8 yrs soon and then can go back to the 3rd row.

BTW, I just noticed your name (real one) and recognized it from the PR!

 

skitle1802

New member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #4

seamonkeys said:

BTW, I just noticed your name (real one) and recognized it from the PR!

Click to expand...

yep it's me!

Sent from my iPhone using Car-Seat.Org

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jan 4, 2012

• #5

There is an exemption for kids under 8 and under 4'9" as long as the belt fits properly.

The 8/4'9" is really just a formality when you think about it. It's all about proper fit, really.

ETA: Unless that didn't make it into the final law. I had a copy of it, and now I can't find it.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #6

I don't remember seeing it in the final law, Jennie. Want me to look it up?

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jan 4, 2012

• #7

ketchupqueen said:

I don't remember seeing it in the final law, Jennie. Want me to look it up?

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Nope, I found the law and it's not in there! Good thing I actually read it

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #8

Ha! Yeah, always good. Summaries and interpretations from official organizations are good too...

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jan 4, 2012

• #9

In my defense, I actually HAD read it before. Apparently I just made up some extra parts in my head, too.

 

seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #10

LISmama810 said:

Nope, I found the law and it's not in there! Good thing I actually read it

Click to expand...

Darn.

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jan 4, 2012

• #11

How close is he to 4'9"? Does he NOT fit in the 3rd row WITH a booster?

 

seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 4, 2012

• #12

LISmama810 said:

How close is he to 4'9"? Does he NOT fit in the 3rd row WITH a booster?

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He's only just over 4'3". I haven't tried with the booster back there. I'm sure he would still fit, he would be just so high. Probably easier just have him sit in the 2nd row. It's not a huge deal, just means he has to lug the seat to class and then to her car. Although then he wouldn't forget he's going home with them!

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jan 4, 2012

• #13

seamonkeys said:

He's only just over 4'3". I haven't tried with the booster back there. I'm sure he would still fit, he would be just so high. Probably easier just have him sit in the 2nd row. It's not a huge deal, just means he has to lug the seat to class and then to her car. Although then he wouldn't forget he's going home with them!

Click to expand...

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