Child Safety Seats

The Wellesley Police Department is absolutely committed to keeping our children safe. Statistics show that 8 out of 10 child safety seats are not installed properly. 

Children in back seat of a vehicle in car seats

More than 100,000 children age 12 and under are injured in motor vehicle collisions every year. Parents can reduce the risk to their children if they put them in an appropriate car safety seat that is correctly installed.

The Wellesley Police Department has advanced the safety of children riding in vehicles through our partnership with the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau (GHSB), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Board and Safe Kids Worldwide.

Child Passenger Safety Law

As of July 10, 2008 Massachusetts enhanced the Child Passenger Safety Law and now requires that all children riding in motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or 57 inches tall. This will significantly increase the number of children who will be required to ride in a booster seat.

Local Inspection

The Wellesley Police Department has four officers trained and certified in child passenger safety. They each attended the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program, a week long 40-plus-hour intensive program. The CPS Technicians put their knowledge to work by conducting individual car safety seat inspections at the Wellesley Police Department.

Wellesley Police Department CPS Technicians inspect car safety seats, not install them. Inspections are by appointment only. Due to the overwhelming demand, the Wellesley Police Department is limiting this service to Town of Wellesley residents only.

Non-residents who are looking for CPS Technicians should check the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website for other agencies that may conduct inspections.

Make an Appointment

Call today and make an appointment to have a child safety seat checked. A CPS Technician will contact you as soon as they receive your request. Please keep in mind that Wellesley Police CPS Technicians are assigned to various work shifts and also work in patrol. They may not be able to respond to a request the same day. Please call well in advance to schedule your appointment.