Published about 4 years ago
My wife and I are expecting our first child soon - and so tomorrow I'll be installing car seats in our vehicles. We heard that there was a law requiring a police officer to inspect the installation, but we called around and it doesn't seem to be the case.
We did get some helpful advice - once the car seat is installed, try and move it around a bunch to make sure its secure. I probably would have done that anyway! :-)
Albert says:
Good point. We're here in New England - Massachusetts - and I'm still unsure of what the laws are about inspection for baby seats. Most automobile laws are state-by-state (speed limits, seat belt requirements, radar detectors, driving age, and cell phone use), but there are some federal laws as well (blood alcohol limits).
Given the seriousness of car safety, I would prefer more federal laws on drivers and driving as opposed to the vehicles. It bothers me that for many vehicles safety features cost extra - from hands free cell phone capabilities to air bags. Did Darwin factor wealth into the survival of the fittest?
Russell Coker says:
When discussing legal issues it is a good idea to mention your jurisdiction. There may be some jurisdictions where police are required to inspect baby seat installations, but it's impossible for me to determine whether you live in such a region.
I have been told that in some parts of the US the fire brigade will test the installation of baby seats for free.
In Australia it's best to get a baby seat fitted by a mechanic that is recommended by your local car club, in Victoria the RACV can recommend garages that employ mechanics who are qualified to do such work (they have special qualifications to install baby seats and often only one mechanic at a garage can do it).