Child Seat Safety 2018 California Car Seat Laws

• Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall. 
• Children under the age of 8 or under 4'9″ must be secured in the appropriate car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
• Vehicle safety belt should fit as follows: lap belt low (touching the thighs), shoulder belt across middle of chest and shoulder (not under arm or behind back), knees bent comfortably without slouching.
• If your child does not fit this description, make sure they ride in a booster seat. 
• It is always a good idea to have a certified technician check the installation of your car seat.
• Child Passenger Safety Resources 2023 Flyer

Child Seat Safety Inspection Sites (by appointment only)

• Santa Cruz Fire Department is no longer performing child seat safety inspections.  Please contact one of the following agencies for an inspection.

• AAA Watsonville  831-768-4570 (se habla Español)
• California Highway Patrol  831-662-0511 
• Scotts Valley Fire Protection District  831-438-0211 
• Watsonville Fire Department  831-768-3209 (se habla Español) 

Santa Cruz County Child Passenger Safety Outreach and Education

No‐Cost Car Seats

Car seats are available on a limited basis for low income families. Proof of low income status or a referral from a community
agency is required.

For more information or an appointment call:

• Santa Cruz/North County:  831-454-5477
• Watsonville/South County:  831-454-4317