State Booster-Seat Law Is Now More Stringent

Children younger than 6 or lighter than 60 pounds are now required to be in approved safety seats while riding in vehicles, according to a state law that took effect Tuesday.

Many children who had been secured by seat belts are now required to ride in booster seats.

According to the Auto Club of Southern California, 22 children ages 4 or 5 died in California in 2000, and 2,800 were injured in traffic accidents. The Auto Club has produced a safety card designed to help people determine whether a child needs a booster seat.