Should my child be in a child safety seat?

In the state of Florida, if you are transporting a child (aged 5 or under) in a motor vehicle, you must use a restraint device.  For children aged 3 and under, a carrier or car seat must be used.  For children aged 4 through 5, a carrier, car seat or seat belt may be used.  Child restraint requirements are detailed in Florida Statute 316.613.  Any driver can be stopped and ticketed for not having a child under the age of 4 in a child seat. 

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of Transportation have put together an easy to follow brochure containing guidelines for determining which restraint system is best suited to protect children based on their age and size.  The brochure is available in English and Spanish.

You can check to see if your child safety restraint is the subject of a manufacturer's recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects 'Defects and Recalls'website.

The Jupiter Police Department has personnel who are certified in child safety seat installation.  You can make an appointment to have your child safety seat installed at the Police Department by calling 561-741-2383 and leaving a message with your name and telephone number.  Someone will call you back to schedule your installation appointment.  Installations must be completed by certified personnel and walk-ins are not recommended due to the availability of the installers.

Certified personnel at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 16 install child safety seats on the first Wednesday of every month.  You can make an appointment by calling them at 561-616-7033.  Station 16 is located at 3550 Military Trail, Jupiter.  They are just north of the intersection of Frederick Small Road on the west side of Military Trail.

If you cannot afford a car seat, the Jupiter Police Department may be able to provide one for you.  Please call the car seat installation number, 561-741-2383, and leave a message with your name and telephone number and someone will call you back to discuss your eligibility.  We do not provide temporary car seats for people who may have children visiting them.

 
You can check to see if your child safety seat is the subject of a manufacturer's recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defectswebsite.