Full Notification

Berkeley Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies, public health departments and other community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.
 
The effort to promote car seat safety coincides with Child Passenger Safety Week, which is from Sept. 15-21.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46% of car seats are not used properly.
 
“Children mean the world to parents and caregivers, but unfortunately many are putting them in harm’s way without knowing it,”  Berkeley Police Department Traffic Bureau Commander, Lieutenant Files said. “Our goal is to educate parents and caregivers on how they can keep children riding in the car as safe as possible.”
 
“Even if you think you have the right car seat and installed it correctly, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked,” Berkeley Police Department Traffic Bureau Commander, Lieutenant Files said. “We are here to help.”
 
Under California law, children under two weighing less than 40 pounds and less than 40 inches tall are required to be in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or less than 4’ 9” tall must be secured in a car or booster seat. The fine for not securing a child in the correct child safety seat is $490.
 
To find the right seat for your child, visit the NHTSA website. To find a car seat fitting station near you, contact your local CHP area office or go to the California Office of Traffic Safety website for a listing of car seat programs statewide.
 
The Berkeley Police Department Traffic Bureau also conducts a car seat education and installation program, offered at no cost to the community. If you have a question about the proper installation of a car seat, or would like to set up an appointment for assistance in safely installing a car seat, please email our Traffic Division Coordinator, or call (510) 981-5980.