Where and when can I get my child’s car seat installed/inspected?

Pacific County Fire District #1 has a car seat technician that inspects and can assist with installation for car seats by appointment only.
What do I need to bring to a car seat inspection if I need a new seat?
The vehicle, the parent or guardian, the child, the current seat, and an interpreter if the parent doesn’t speak English.

Do I have to live in Pacific County to get a car seat or have one checked?

We can check anyone’s seat. If you need a seat, you must live in Pacific County. If you live in another county, contact your local Safe Kids Coalition for assistance.

Can I get a car seat checked if I’m still pregnant?

Absolutely! There is no requirement for the child to be present during a car seat check. It is strongly encouraged, but not required. There is no fee for this service.

When can my child turn forward facing?

A child under the age of two years must be properly secured in a child restraint system that is rear-facing until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer. A child may continue to be properly secured in a child restraint system that is rear-facing until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer, as recommended by the American academy of pediatrics.

When can my child use a booster seat?

Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown the forward-facing car seat (check car seat’s height or weight maximums). A belt-positioning booster seat is used until the vehicle’s lap-and-should seat belt fits properly. Booster seats must be used with a lap AND shoulder belt. If your child climbs out of the booster seat or will not sit upright for an entire trip, it is not safe and too soon to switch. Find a car seat with harness that will fit his/her height and weight.

NEVER use a booster seat with lap belt only! It requires a lap and shoulder belt.

When does my child no longer need to use a booster seat?

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Under new rules, some kids may need to remain in booster seats well into middle school.

Governor Jay Inslee approved updated regulations on car and booster seat use, which go into effect January 1.

 The new rules require children older than 4 years old but shorter than 4’9″ and who have outgrown their child harness seat to use a booster seat. That means most kids will need a booster seat until 10 to 12 years old.

When can my child sit in the front seat?

WA State law, RCW 46.61.687, requires children to sit in the back seat until they are 13 years old.