Child Passenger Safety
The District of Columbia government is making it easier for residents to protect their families. (Information provided from the District Department of Transportation)
- DC Car Safety Seat Program (Project Safe-Child)
Contact Information
District Department of Transportation
250 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: Karen Gay, [email protected], (202) 409-0234 or [email protected]
DC Metropolitan Police Department
Traffic Division 501 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: Analee Jimenez, [email protected], 202-437-8030
(MPD Conducts Safety Inspections Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm, no appointment required)
Does Your Child Need a Booster Seat?
Did you know that most children need to ride in a booster seat from age 4 to at least age 8? This test is a quick and easy way to determine if a booster seat is needed.
- Does the child sit all the way back against the back of the auto seat?
- Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the front edge of the auto seat?
- Does the lap belt cross the child's shoulder between the neck and the arms?
- Is the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
- Can the child stay seated like this for the entire trip?
If you have answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to ride safely in the car.
Helpful Links
- Learn more about Child Safety Seat Usage, and the correct use of child restraints.
- Visit the District's free Car Seat Inspection Stations.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Get more information on Child Passenger Safety and to find the car seat inspection station nearest - NHTSA Car Seat Inspection Stations
- Child Restraint Law in DC
- National Safe Kids Campaign
- Caregivers Guidebook to Protecting Children in Motor Vehicles [PDF]