Home | Departments | Police

Child Safety

In January 2006, peace officers in Iowa began enforcing a new child safety seat law. This law requires children under the age of 11 years to be properly buckled in a seat belt or suitable child safety seat. The Johnston Police Department has a certified child safety restraint technician, Officer Dale Woller. If you have questions or would like help installing a child safety restraint system, please contact the Johnston Police Department at 278-2345 for an appointment. A $63.00 fine will be issued to the driver of a vehicle transporting a child lacking the appropriate restraint protection.

Child Safety Restraint System Requirements

Age Weight/Height Seat Type
Under 1 year Less than 20 lbs Rear-facing safety seat
At least one year At least 20 lbs Forward-facing safety seat
Less than 6 years   Requires a specially designed system that includes belt positioning or booster seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
6-11 years Less than 80 lbs and under 4' 9'' Child safety restraint system
6-11 years At least 80 lbs and 4' 9'' in height Seat belt
Keep your child safe - be sure to use a child safety seat.


For more information

National Crime Prevention Council

Safekids  www.safekids.org

McGruff’s Child Safety Center  www.mcgruff.org

Nat'l Center for Missing and Exploited Children  www.mcmec.org

Internet Safety  www.isafe.org

FBI Internet Safety tips for kids

Keep Schools Safe  www.keepschoolssafe.org

UNICEF Voices of Youth  www.unicef.org/voy/