Car Seat Inspections
Safe Kids DC and its community partners operate several car seat inspection and installation stations throughout the city to teach families how to safely transport children. All inspection stations are operated by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) and instructors (CPST-Is). This service is available to patient families and the community at large.
During a car seat inspection or installation, technicians will:
- Take height and weight measurements (if child is present)
- Provide hands-on instruction to the parent/caregiver regarding proper installation
- Check for recalls
- Check the expiration date
- Check for broken or missing car seat parts
- Provide education to avoid heatstroke-related injuries
Safety Tips
For more safety tips and information on selecting the right car seat for your child, check out the Safe Kids Ultimate Car Seat Guide.
We Offer Car Seat Inspections
No appointment required, at locations across the city. We also conduct car seat inspection events and safety education sessions. If you are interested, please fill out our event request form.
Explore Inspection Stations
Car seat inspection services are limited due to COVID-19. All inspection stations are closed on federal holidays.
Additional Information
For more information please visit the DC DMV Inspection Station website.
Hours of Operation
Fall/Winter hours are effective September-May. Pull into Lane 8 to be serviced.
Sunday and Monday
Closed
Tuesday
7 a.m. - 3.p.m.
Wednesday
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday
7 a.m. - 3.p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. - 3.p.m.
Saturday
7 a.m. - 3.p.m.
Virtual Car Seat Inspections
Virtual car seat inspections allow you to schedule a video inspection with a Child Passenger Safety Technician. During this time a virtual inspection is a safe alternative until in-person inspection stations are re-opened.
Please email a Safe Kids DC team member for more information.
Available in the US and Canada
Britax USA
If you are interesting in the virtual 1:1 car seat check and want to schedule an appointment with our child passenger safety tech, please complete our survey below.
Staff will contact you to set up an appointment
Maryland Kids in Seats
To schedule an appointment, please download and complete the Participant Form Video Car Seat Assistance Program Participant Information Form and email us the completed form.
For general questions, contact the helpline at 800-370-SEAT (7328).
Keeping Your Child Safe While Driving: Behavioral Health Needs
Sometimes kids with special needs have a hard time with their car seat while you are driving, especially if they have autism or ADHD. Here are some tips for keeping your child happy in their car seat.
