Take the first steps toward installing your child car seat successfully by reading the instruction manual that came with the seat and your vehicle owner's manual.

Need help with your car seat? Visit https://wacarseats.com/ to find a car seat inspection location.

WA State Car Seat Law

Washington's Child Restraint Law changed in January 2020. Review the current rules and download printable flyers in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean and Tagalog at www.wacarseats.com

Child Seat Installation Videos

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  for detailed information about car seats, installation, and how-to videos.

Is Your Child in the Right Car Seat?

• Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat as required by Washington law. After age 2, we recommend keeping children rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits allowed by  the car seat manufacturer.
• Children ages 2-4 must ride in a car seat rear OR forward facing with a harness. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats, they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. 
• Children 4 and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are at least 4 foot 9 inches tall. We also recommend using the 5-step test when determining whether your child is ready for an adult seat belt because not all children will fit a seat belt properly in all cars at the 4 foot 9 height. See:  When is my child ready for an adult seat belt?
• Children under age 13 must ride in the back seat.