Whereas it will cost you $162 for each person over 16 years of age not buckled in, a child under 16 not compliant with the CA Child Passenger Safety Program will cost you $490 each.
There could also be the inconvenience of attending a mandatory class ($50 fee) and traffic violator’s school (TVS) time and tuition to keep your traffic ticket conviction confidential from your auto insurance provider.
The CA campaign slogan for passenger seatbelt safety is “Click it or Ticket — Day and Night.”
As a parent or caregiver, it is crucial to prioritize your child's safety while driving. Not only is it essential for their well-being, but it is also required by law.
In San Bernardino County, CA, the Child Passenger Safety Program aims to ensure that children are securely restrained while in a vehicle. However, if you fail to comply with the program's guidelines, you could face a sizable fine.
As traffic attorneys, we often receive inquiries from clients who have received a violation of the Child Passenger Safety Program. This blog post will clarify some common questions about this violation and provide some tips to prevent getting a seatbelt ticket.
How to Prevent Getting a Seatbelt Ticket for Not Complying with the San Bernardino County Child Passenger Safety Program
The Child Passenger Safety Program in San Bernardino County requires children under eight to be securely restrained in a car seat or booster seat, and all passengers to be secured by a safety belt.
Failure to do so can result in a violation and a fine of up to $490 per child for the first offense. It is essential to understand the guidelines set forth by the program to prevent getting a seatbelt ticket. Select the appropriate car seat or booster seat for your child's age, height, and weight.
Always use the seatbelt or harness provided with the car seat or booster seat and ensure it is correctly installed in your vehicle. Lastly, ensure your child is correctly buckled in the car seat or booster seat, with the harness or seatbelt snugly secured around their body.
The “Buckle Up San Bernardino County!” Child Passenger Safety Program
According to the Buckle Up San Bernardino County pdf, you must have your child passengers secured in a booster seat until their sixteenth birthday or reach four feet, nine inches, when riding in a vehicle, front seat or back. Many believe they are not required to wear a seatbelt in the back seat because they are safer. This is an unfortunate myth, as 56% of vehicle fatalities occur in the backseat when not secured by a safety belt.
How Much a Booster Seat Costs Compare to a Nearly $500 Ticket
The cost of a booster seat may seem unnecessary, but it is a small price compared to the fines associated with a violation of the Child Passenger Safety Program.
San Bernardino County's fine for the first offense is $490. However, the cost can increase with subsequent violations, and failure to pay the fine can result in a negative credit report, civil penalties, and DMV hold on your CA driver’s license. Investing in a booster seat ensures your child's safety and can save you hundreds of dollars in fines and prevent the hassle of dealing with a ticket.
Plus, you can buy a new booster seat from San Bernardino County at a discount. Call 1-800-782-4264.
“Car seats or booster seats that are not the right size for your child, too old, damaged, have missing parts, or have been in a car crash should be replaced.”— SB Violator Intervention Program (VIP).
Violators of the Child Passenger Safety Program & TVS
First, you must plead guilty and pay the entire fine/s to the San Bernardino County court clerk before you can attend a DMV-approved TVS. There is also a $64 admin fee for attending TVS. Then, you must pay the tuition. That means if you have a ticket for only one child, your total expense will be well over $600. Further, you will have wasted time and money if you forget or otherwise do not finish your TVS before the court-ordered completion date.
At your next auto insurance renewal, they will take your 20% “good driver’s discount” and add the corresponding risk, typically 10-15%. You could pay another $692 annually for insurance during the three years the conviction or paid fine remains on your record. You could pay nearly $2,500 for the fine and increased insurance. You should consult an attorney.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About Your Child Passenger Safety Program Violation
If you received a ticket for a violation of the Child Passenger Safety Program, it is essential to seek the assistance of a traffic attorney. A traffic attorney can help you understand your rights and represent you in court, potentially reducing or dismissing the fines associated with the violation.
Additionally, a traffic attorney can help you understand the consequences of pleading guilty to the violation, including potential increases in insurance rates and points on your driving record. Hiring a traffic attorney ensures your rights are protected and potentially saves money in the long run.
Call Bigger & Harman in Bakersfield at (661) 349-9300, use their straightforward contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
We offer a free initial consultation and use a flat fee to resolve your speeding ticket, regardless of how many times we must attend traffic court.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Buckle Up San Bernardino County! pdf.
The CA Courts Self-Help Guide.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.