Drivers are responsible for proper installation of child safety seats. Since the correct installation of a child restraint system can be a challenge, the City of El Cerrito offers free child safety seat inspections for El Cerrito residents only.

Three Fire Department personnel and one traffic officer from the Police Department are trained Child Safety Seat Technicians.

El Cerrito residents who have installation problems or are unsure if their child safety seat is properly installed can contact the El Cerrito Fire Department or the El Cerrito Police Department for a free inspection. You can have car seats checked at all three El Cerrito/Kensington fire stations by appointment through Linda White, 215-4450 or lwhite@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us; or drop in and if the Fire Department is not busy with calls for service or other duties, arrangements will be made for the inspection.

You can also schedule an appointment with Police Officer John Molica for Tuesdays through Fridays only. Call Officer Molica at 215-4436 or call the Police Department Administrative Office during business hours at (510) 215-4400.

Please arrive at your appointment with the car seat installed and if possible, bring your car seat's instructions. Having the child present is best. However, if this is not possible, we are still able to check your car seat's installation.

The Police Department and Fire Department are member agencies of the Contra Costa County Car Seat Safety Coalition sponsored by John Muir Health. Throughout the year, the Coalition sponsors child safety seat checkpoints at various locations. Visit the Contra Costa Car Seat Safety Coalition webpage to find an upcoming safety seat checkpoint, or call 1-877-CARSEAT.

Properly installed child safety seats are critical for the survival of an infant or toddler involved in a car crash. For information about infant (rear-facing) and toddler (forward facing) safety seats, as well as booster seats, visit the Safe Kids Worldwide's website.