The Johnston Police Department has safety technicians trained in child passenger safety. These safety technicians will inspect, teach the proper installation of car seats and answer any question for Johnston residents.

A car seat in the rear seat of your vehicle is the safest way to keep your child safe while traveling. Below are basic guidelines on the use of child safety seats:

• Children under the age of one and less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system.
• Children ages one through six years old and 20 to 40 pounds must be secured in a child restraint system (either a child safety seat or booster seat, NOT an adult seat belt).
• Children ages six to 11 must be in a booster seat (40 to 80 pounds) or seat belt (over 80 pounds and tall enough that the safety belt fits properly), regardless of their seating position within a vehicle.
• Rear seat occupants up to age 18 must be secured by a safety belt.

Please call the Johnston Police Department at 515-278-2345 for more information or to schedule an appointment for installation of your child's car seat.

For additional information on car seats please check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website at www.nhtsa.gov.