Court Violator Car Seat Program Calendar

The Court Violator Car Seat Program grant was awarded to the Pacific Safety Council through the County of San Diego which allows the San Diego Superior Courts to offer an education class to those individuals that receive a ticket for violating a Motor Vehicle seat belt or car seat code. This class will educate on the proper use of seat belts along with the proper use of car seats and booster seats for children. The participant not only receives a certificate at the completion of the course but also obtains vital education on why seat belt usage is so important, why using a car seat the right way every time is so important and when to use a booster seat at the appropriate age, weight and height. The Pacific Safety Council is honored to have the opportunity to serve the community with this contract through the County of San Diego.

Using child safety seats and seat belts correctly is the most effective way to reduce injuries and deaths to both children and adults. Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of injury and death for children and adults. Most people think they are using their car seat correctly and even though the law for California is 6 years old or 60 pounds that does not protect our children enough while riding in a car. Seat belts are designed for adults, not children. The height for someone to be BEST protected is 4 feet 9 inches tall.

NEW Car Seat Laws Effective January 1, 2012:

* NEW! Effective January 1, 2012, California law requires that all children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat.

* Children age 8 or older may use the vehicle seat belt if it fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat.

* Everyone in the car must be properly buckled up. For each child under 16 who is not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or drivers can be fined more than $475 and get a point on their driving records.