Key points
You and your passengers must wear seat belts, and you can be ticketed if a passenger under 16 is not buckled.
Source: Handbook p. 65
“You and your passengers must wear seat belts. You can get a ticket if you do not. If your passenger is under 16 years old, you can also get a ticket if they are not wearing their seat belt.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 65Children under 2, under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches tall ride in a rear-facing restraint.
Source: Handbook p. 66
“Children who are under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall: Secure in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 66Children under 8, or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, ride in a child restraint in a rear seat.
Source: Handbook p. 66
“Children who are under 8 years old, or who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall: Secure in a child passenger restraint system in a rear seat.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 66Sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover.
Source: Handbook p. 67
“Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag cover, as long as you can maintain full control of your vehicle.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 67It is illegal to leave a child 6 or younger unattended in a vehicle, unless someone at least 12 supervises.
Source: Handbook p. 67
“It is illegal to leave a child who is six years old or younger unattended in a vehicle. A child may be left under the supervision of a person who is at least 12 years old.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 67Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal. Adults should use hands-free mode only when necessary.
Source: Handbook p. 70
“Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal. Adult drivers should only use a cell phone in hands-free mode when necessary.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 70It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone to answer calls or text while driving.
Source: Handbook p. 71
“It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or electronic wireless device to answer calls and send or respond to text messages while driving.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 71You must not smoke when a minor is in the vehicle. You can be fined.
Source: Handbook p. 52
“Not smoke when a minor is in the vehicle. You can be fined.”
California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 52
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 16 years old | you are ticketed for unbelted passengers under this age | Handbook p. 65 |
| 2 years old | rear-facing seat age | Handbook p. 66 |
| 40 pounds | rear-facing seat weight | Handbook p. 66 |
| 3 feet 4 inches | rear-facing seat height | Handbook p. 66 |
| 8 years old | age below which a child restraint is required | Handbook p. 66 |
| 4 feet 9 inches | height below which a child restraint is required | Handbook p. 66 |
| 10 inches | minimum distance from the air bag | Handbook p. 67 |
| 6 years old | children this age or younger may not be left alone in a car | Handbook p. 67 |
| 12 years old | minimum age of a supervisor for a young child in a car | Handbook p. 67 |
3 questions from the California practice test
1. A child is under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall. How must the child ride?
- In a rear-facing child passenger restraint system
- In a booster seat in the front seat
- With only a lap belt in any rear seat
- In a forward-facing seat if an adult is beside them
Show answer
In a rear-facing child passenger restraint system. For a child under 2 who is also under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches tall, California requires a rear-facing child passenger restraint system. A booster or regular belt is for older or larger children, so those choices ignore the age, weight, and height combination. The cue is all three measurements together. If the child fits those limits, use rear facing and keep the restraint out of an airbag-equipped front seat.
2. Where must most children under 8 years old ride when using a child passenger restraint system?
- In the front seat if an adult is driving.
- In the front passenger seat with the air bag on.
- In any seat if the trip is under 10 miles.
- In a rear seat.
Show answer
In a rear seat.. California requires children under 8, or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, to be secured in a child passenger restraint system in a rear seat unless a listed exception applies. The front-seat option is too broad; the handbook allows front-seat placement only in limited cases such as no rear seat or medical reasons. The cue is the child's age or height: under 8 or below 4 feet 9 inches points you first to a proper restraint in the back.
3. When may a child age 6 or younger be left unattended in a vehicle?
- When the windows are partly open.
- When the vehicle is parked in shade.
- When the driver will return within five minutes.
- When supervised by a person at least 12 years old.
Show answer
When supervised by a person at least 12 years old.. California makes it illegal to leave a child age 6 or younger unattended in a vehicle unless the child is supervised by someone who is at least 12. Shade, open windows, or a short errand do not replace that supervision. The window option is especially misleading because the handbook warns that heat can rise rapidly even with a window slightly open. Use the child's age as the cue: 6 or younger requires an older responsible person present.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free California practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.