Car seats and boosters can provide critical protection for infants and children in the event of a car crash. In fact, car seat use reduces the risk for injury in crashes by 71–82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.* That's why it's so important to select and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car. This webpage provides an overview on the car seat selection, installation, and inspection process to help keep your child safe.

How to Choose and Install a Car Seat

Follow these steps outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help you through the process of finding the right car seat, installing it correctly, and keeping your child safe:

1. Determine the type of car seat that you need. Learn about the four car seat types (rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seat, and seat belt) and follow NHTSA's car seat recommendations that are based on your child’s age and size.
2. Find and compare car seats. Use NHTSA’s Car Seat Finder to find the right car seat for you.
3. Install your car seat correctly. Follow NHTSA's detailed car seat installation instructions and videos. Take the time to learn about the parts and tips used for installation.
4. Get your car seat inspected. See list of local locations below.
5. Register your car seat. Registering your car seat will help you receive recall and safety notices.

Car Seat Inspections in Santa Clara County

Child restraint systems are often installed or used incorrectly. An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.*** We highly recommend that you have your car seat(s) inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician. Below is a list of local inspection stations (appointment only). Please note that the San José Fire Department does not inspect or install car seats.