Wisconsin Police Stop Vehicle for Improper Car Seats — Then Donate New Ones to Family
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WISCONSIN — A traffic stop in southeastern Wisconsin took a compassionate turn when Pleasant Prairie police officers provided donated car seats to a family found driving with children who weren’t properly restrained.
Officers pulled the vehicle over after noticing young children without approved safety seats, according to a department news release.
Wisconsin law requires that:
- Children remain in a car seat until they are at least 4 years old and weigh 40 pounds, and
- Use a booster seat until they are 8 years old, 80 pounds, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
From Violation to Act of Kindness
After stopping the vehicle, officers learned that the parents did not have access to proper car seats due to financial hardship. Rather than issuing a ticket, police went above and beyond — tracking down donated booster seats so the children could travel safely.
The family accepted the help, and officers assisted in properly installing the new seats before letting them continue their trip.
“Our goal is to keep children safe, not to punish parents who are struggling,” a department spokesperson said. “This was about community support, not citations.”
Community Policing in Action
Pleasant Prairie Police said the moment served as a reminder that public safety goes beyond enforcement — it’s about helping residents meet those standards when possible.
Local residents praised the officers’ actions on social media, calling it a “heartwarming example” of community policing done right.
Officials encouraged parents and guardians to review Wisconsin’s child safety seat laws and check their seats for compliance. The department also urged families in need to reach out for assistance, as local charities and law enforcement agencies often keep a small supply of donated car seats for emergencies.
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