Will New California Law Affect the Gem State Too?

Each state has unique laws, and not everyone agrees with them; however, disobeying the law can have severe consequences. Breaking the law can lead to a fine or jail time, depending on the specific law that is broken. From time to time, a new law will go into effect, and it will take some time to adjust. You may not agree with it, but you will have to obey it to avoid dealing with one of the consequences above. California recently came out with a new law that many disagree with, and the question is now, could it be coming to Idaho as well?

New Law in California

A new law is set to go into effect in California in 2027 that has many upset over a year before it becomes law. The new law is that children aged 8 to 16 may be required to sit in a booster seat in the car if they can't pass the five-step fit test. The thought of a teenager having to sit in a booster seat is somewhat comical, but it could be reality at the beginning of 2027 in California. While this law will only be in the Golden State for now, could it be a matter of time until it becomes a law in Idaho, and if so, how would you feel about it, and how would it change your everyday life with your children? 

Teenagers in Booster Seats in Idaho

For many in Idaho, their kids stop sitting in booster seats sometime during elementary school. While it is recommended that kids sit in the back seat until they are older or more grown, some let their kids even sit in the front seat, especially when not going far. If this law were to make its way into Idaho, you could have your middle school child and even your young high schooler sitting in a booster seat in the Gem State. What is the five-step fit test that these children must pass to sit like an adult? Here are the five steps: 

1. Sit all the way back against the seat with their shoulders against the back of the seat.
2. Have their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat.
3. Have the lap belt lie low on the thighs, not the stomach.
4. Have the shoulder belt cross the middle of the chest, between the neck and arm, on the collarbone.
5. Remain seated properly for the entire trip.

Failing these steps will lead to your child being treated like a little kid and back in a booster seat. Funny enough, some adults can't even pass this test. 

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For now, your kids are good to keep sitting regularly, but if traveling to California in 2027, make sure to be aware of the law and prepare for the possibility of this law coming to Idaho. For more on the law, make sure to click the link above.