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Did you know that roughly four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly? Young passengers are the most helpless and most prone to head injuries. It is crucial tofind the right seat, one that fits your child and vehicle.

The Yolo County Health and Human Service Agency’s mission is to provide services to ensure that all Yolo County residents are healthy, safe and economically stable. The Yolo County Car Seat Safety Program advances this mission by reducing the number of injuries from motor vehicle crashes associated with children ages 0-12 years old and increasing the correct use of car seats for all families in all communities regardless of social-economic conditions, race, ethnicity, gender, ages and abilities. 

We have certified child passenger safety technicians who can help you with installing your car seat in your vehicle.  Appointments are conducted one-on-one at the Yolo County Health & Human Services Office. This service is free of charge for residents of Yolo County. 

         Before the Car Seat Appointment

• Be prepared to learn. The CPS Technician is trained to educate you to install and use your car seat properly in your vehicle.
• Know your child's current weight and height.
• Using the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual, try to install the car seat into your vehicle prior to your appointment.
• If possible, bring your child with you as well as another caregiver to help while you are learning.
• Be prepared to spend 30-40 minutes during this one-on-one appointment.

During the Car Seat Appointment

• A CPS Technician will: Fill out car seat check form to document the process. The form may be electronic or on paper.
• Review car seat selection appropriate to the child's age, weight and height.
• Check the child's current car seat for: Recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.
• Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.
• Review the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that both are being followed correctly.
• Guide your installation of the car seat, review different installations techniques. 
• Discuss the next steps for your child, such as when to move to the next type of car seat.
• Discuss state laws and the best practice recommendations for occupant safety.
• Answer and questions you may have, so ask away.

Eligibility for Program

Yolo County Resident | Child age 0-12

Other Services Offered by the Yolo County Car Seat Safety Program

• Violators Class for those who have received tickets in Yolo County for car seat misuse
• Car Seat Recycling Program for used and unsafe car seats
• Educational Classes and Check up Events

  Do you need help installing your child's car seat?  

Contact our Car Seat Technicians

For more information or to obtain an appointment, please contact us at 530-406-4410 or email us at yolo.carseats@yolocounty.org . To schedule a car seat appointment online, click Car Seat Appointment.

California Law

• Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360.)

• Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.

• Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)

• Passengers who are 16 years of age and over are subject to California's Mandatory Seat Belt law. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have a question not listed here? Email Yolo.CarSeats@yolocounty.org