Find a Free Car Seat Inspection Near You

Child car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger vehicles—but only when installed correctly. Unfortunately, studies show that 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Our free car seat inspection locator helps you find certified technicians near you who can ensure your child's safety seat is properly installed.

Why Proper Car Seat Installation Matters

Car seats and boosters save lives—this is an indisputable fact backed by decades of research. However, even the most expensive, highest-rated car seat cannot protect your child if it's not installed correctly. Common mistakes include:

• Incorrect harness positioning: Straps that are too loose or positioned incorrectly significantly reduce protection.
• Wrong installation angle: Especially for infant seats, the angle matters tremendously for both safety and breathing.
• Improper use of lower anchors or seat belts: Both methods can be secure, but only if used correctly and according to both car and seat manufacturer instructions.
• Inappropriate seat for a child's age/weight: Car seats are designed for specific height, weight, and developmental stages.

Even small installation errors can have significant consequences during a collision, when forces can exceed 30 times the weight of your child.

What Happens at a Car Seat Inspection?

Car seat inspections are conducted by nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who have completed a standardized training program. During a typical 20-30 minute appointment, these technicians will:

• Check your car seat for recalls or expiration dates
• Ensure the seat is appropriate for your child's age, height, and weight
• Demonstrate proper installation techniques
• Show you how to correctly position your child and adjust harnesses
• Answer any questions about transitioning between seat types
• Review your vehicle owner's manual for specific car seat guidance

The best part? This valuable safety service is almost always completely free of charge.

When Should You Get Your Car Seat Inspected?

Child passenger safety experts recommend having your car seat installation checked:

• When you install a new infant seat before your baby is born
• After purchasing or receiving any new car seat
• When transitioning to a different type of seat (e.g., from infant to convertible)
• If you change vehicles
• After any car accident, even minor ones
• If you're unsure about proper installation
• Every 6-12 months as a general safety check

The NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator

Our car seat inspection finder is powered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database, which maintains the most comprehensive listing of certified inspection stations nationwide. These stations include:

• Fire departments
• Police stations
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Public health offices
• Children's stores and community centers
• Safe Kids coalitions and other non-profit safety organizations

The NHTSA database is regularly updated with new locations and services, ensuring you receive the most current information when searching for inspection stations.

What to Bring to Your Car Seat Inspection

To get the most out of your car seat inspection appointment, bring:

• Your vehicle (the one where the car seat will primarily be used)
• The car seat you plan to use, even if it's not yet installed
• Your car seat instruction manual
• Your vehicle owner's manual
• Your child (if possible), so the technician can check for proper fit

Some inspection stations require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. The tool will indicate whether an appointment is necessary when you search.

National Car Seat Check Events

If you can't make it to a permanent inspection station, watch for special car seat check events in your community. National Child Passenger Safety Week (held each September) features thousands of car seat check events across the country. These events often include:

• Free safety checks by multiple certified technicians
• Distribution of educational materials
• Information on car seat recalls and registrations
• Resources for families with special transportation needs

Our car seat inspection locator can help you find these special events as well as permanent inspection stations.

Becoming a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician

Interested in helping families in your community? Consider becoming a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). The certification process includes:

• Completing a 3-4 day standardized training course
• Passing written and hands-on examinations
• Participating in community car seat check events
• Maintaining certification through continuing education

Technicians come from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare, law enforcement, childcare, and concerned parents. Visit cert.safekids.org to find certification courses in your area.

Conclusion

Car seats save lives, but only when used correctly. Given the high rate of improper installations and the critical safety implications, having your car seat checked by a certified technician is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child on the road.

Use our free car seat inspection locator to find certified technicians near you today—it's a quick, free service that could literally save your child's life.