Child Safety Seats

Child Safety Seat Guidelines

Children under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh 40 lbs. or heavier or are 40” tall or taller. California Child Passenger Safety Law states that children shorter than 4' 9" tall must ride in a booster seat because they are too small to fit safely in the seat belt without the booster.  

 Vehicle safety belts should fit as follows:

  •  Lap belt low (touching the thighs)
  •  Shoulder belt across the middle of chest and shoulder (not under the arm or the behind back)
  •  Knees bent comfortably without slouching  

If a seat belt does not fit your child as described, you must have them ride in a booster! Learn more about car seat safety.

NHTSA Graphic Car Seat Safety

Child Safety Seat Fitting Services

At this time, Central Fire District does not have personnel certified in helping install or properly fit car seats.  For these services, you may contact the following agencies:

  • AAA of Capitola, (831) 824-9128 - By Appointment
  • AAA of Watsonville, (831) 768-4540 (se habla Español) - By Appointment
  • California Highway Patrol, (831) 219-0200 - By Appointment
  • Scotts Valley Fire Protection District, (831) 438-0211 - By Appointment
  • Watsonville Fire Department, (831) 768-3200 (se habla Español) - By Appointment

Santa Cruz County Child Passenger Safety Resources Flyer - English/Spanish (PDF)

SEATS for KIDS Program

Child safety seats are available on a limited basis for low-income families through the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency’s SEATS for KIDS Program. This program is funded by County Vehicle Code fine revenues, grants, and private donations. Car seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a donation of $15 to $30 is requested. For more information on no-cost car seats,, please call (831) 454-7551 or email Santa Cruz County Public Health.