Nebraska was the state where I learned just how much a small regional health department can accomplish. When I called Three Rivers Public Health Department, they told me they not only provide free car seats to low-income families but also have certified technicians who walk you through the full installation as an education session — so you leave knowing exactly how to install the seat yourself. In a state where 70% of traffic fatalities involve unbelted occupants, that kind of hands-on approach matters.
Nebraska recorded 232 traffic fatalities in 2024. The state’s Office of Highway Safety reports that 70% of those killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing seat belts or using car seats. Car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers — the numbers speak for themselves.
This guide covers Nebraska’s car seat laws, real programs that provide free or low-cost seats, and the fastest steps to get one for your child today.
View our lists of free car seat programs by type:
Nebraska car seat laws
Nebraska’s child restraint law covers children from birth through age 17:
- Under 2 years old — must ride in a rear-facing car seat. No exceptions.
- Ages 2 through 5 — must be in a child restraint system appropriate for the child’s height and weight. Back seat required when available.
- Ages 6 through 7 — must use a child restraint or booster seat in the back seat.
- Ages 8 through 17 — must wear a seat belt.
The fine for a child restraint violation in Nebraska is plus 1 point on your license. First-time offenders may be required to complete a child passenger safety education course. The real cost of not using one is far higher — car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71% for infants.
If you need a seat that meets the law without a big price tag, check out our best-rated convertible car seats guide or see how the safest car seat brands compare side by side.
Nebraska-specific programs worth knowing about
These are real programs operating in Nebraska right now. Availability and funding change, so always call ahead before making a trip.
Three Rivers Public Health Department (Dodge, Saunders, Washington Counties)
Provides free car seats to low-income families along with certified technician-led installation education. They treat every seat distribution as a teaching session so you leave knowing how to install it yourself. Contact them through their Safe Kids program page.
Safe Kids South Central at Mary Lanning Healthcare (Hastings area)
Offers free car seats and education to families enrolled in WIC, Medicaid, or Kids Connection. This is a partnership between Safe Kids Worldwide and Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings. Call 402-460-5884 to check availability and schedule an appointment.
Eastern Nebraska Community District Health Department (Boone, Colfax, Nance, Platte Counties)
Distributes car seats to WIC-eligible families in their four-county service area. Contact the health department directly to confirm current inventory and eligibility requirements.
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center (Omaha)
Provides car seat safety education, inspections, and fitting events throughout the year. They do not currently distribute free seats, but their certified technicians will check your installation at no cost. Email [email protected] or call 402-955-8090 to schedule.
Safe Kids Nebraska Coalition
The statewide coalition coordinates car seat check events, inspection stations, and community safety programs across Nebraska. Check with your local coalition chapter for upcoming events in your area.
Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) CPS Inspection Stations
NDOT maintains a network of child passenger safety inspection stations across the state where certified technicians will check your car seat installation for free. Some stations also have seats available for families who qualify. Find your nearest station through the NHTSA technician locator.
Important: Program funding and seat inventory change frequently. If one program is out of stock, try another — and check our complete guide to free car seats for additional national programs that serve Nebraska families.
Start here — the fastest path to a free or low-cost seat
If you need a car seat now, work through this list in order:
1. Call Three Rivers Public Health or Safe Kids South Central. These two programs actively distribute free seats. Three Rivers serves the Dodge/Saunders/Washington county area; Safe Kids South Central at Mary Lanning covers the Hastings region. Have your WIC or Medicaid documentation ready.
2. Contact your county health department. Several Nebraska county and district health departments distribute car seats through WIC and maternal health programs. Ask specifically about car seat assistance — the person answering the phone may not mention it unless you ask.
3. Find a free inspection event near you. Use the NHTSA car seat inspection locator to find certified technicians in Nebraska. Many inspection stations also distribute seats to qualifying families.
4. Check statewide and national resources. Programs like Safe Kids Worldwide, local fire departments, and community action agencies sometimes have seats available. Our free car seats guide lists every major national program that serves Nebraska.
A quick warning about secondhand seats
A free seat from a friend or garage sale might seem like the easiest option, but it can be dangerous. Before using any secondhand car seat, verify all four of these:
- Expiration date — stamped on the shell. Most seats expire 6-10 years after manufacture.
- Recall status — check the NHTSA recall database using the model number.
- Crash history — any seat involved in a moderate or severe crash must be replaced. Period.
- All parts present — missing harness clips, chest clips, or padding means the seat cannot protect your child properly.
If you cannot verify all four, do not use it. A brand-new budget seat like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 (around ) or the Evenflo Tribute (around ) is far safer than a questionable hand-me-down. For more on what to do with seats you’re replacing, see our guide on what to do with old car seats.
Don’t do this alone
Nebraska has a strong network of regional health departments, hospital-based programs, and Safe Kids coalitions — but those resources only help if you reach out. Whether you’re in Omaha or a rural county, there’s likely a certified technician within driving distance who can check your seat for free and point you toward assistance if you need one.
Start with the programs listed above, and brush up on the basics with our car seat safety guide so you know exactly what to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car seat laws in Nebraska?
Children under 2 must ride rear-facing. Children ages 2 through 7 need a child restraint or booster seat appropriate for their size, and must ride in the back seat when available. Ages 8 through 17 must wear a seat belt. Violations carry a fine plus 1 point on your license, and first offenders may need to complete a safety course.
Where can I get a free car seat in Nebraska?
Three Rivers Public Health Department, Safe Kids South Central at Mary Lanning Healthcare, and the Eastern Nebraska Community District Health Department all distribute free seats to qualifying families. You typically need to be enrolled in WIC, Medicaid, or Kids Connection. See our complete free car seats guide for additional national programs.
Does Children’s Hospital in Omaha give out free car seats?
Not currently. Children’s Hospital & Medical Center offers free car seat inspections, fitting events, and safety education, but they are not distributing seats. Contact them at [email protected] or 402-955-8090 for inspection appointments.
Do I need to be on WIC or Medicaid to get a free car seat in Nebraska?
Most Nebraska programs require enrollment in WIC, Medicaid, or Kids Connection. However, some programs — particularly through county health departments — may have broader income-based eligibility. Always call ahead and ask about their specific requirements.
How do I find a car seat inspection station near me in Nebraska?
Use the NHTSA car seat inspection station locator to find certified technicians in your area. Nebraska also hosts regular check events through Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids coalition chapters — call 402-955-8090 for the Omaha area schedule.
What should I do if I can’t find a free car seat program near me in Nebraska?
Start by calling your local county health department or WIC office — they may know about programs not widely advertised. If no local option is available, a budget-friendly new seat like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 (around ) meets all federal safety standards. Check our best-rated car seats guide for more affordable options that don’t compromise on safety.
