Latest news with #FederalMotorVehicleSafetyStandardNo.213a
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What parents should know about the new car seat regulations effective June 30
Starting June 30, 2025, all car seats sold in the U.S. will be required to meet new federal safety standards. The change is designed to better protect children in side-impact (T-bone) collisions, a type of crash known for causing severe injuries. Here's what this update means for you—whether you already have a car seat or are planning to buy one soon. If you already own a car seat, there's no need to panic or replace it—as long as it: Has not expired Hasn't been recalled Is properly installed and appropriate for your child's weight and height As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains, 'Current child seats are highly effective in reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury in vehicle crashes.' So if your current seat checks those boxes, you're in the clear. Related: A parent's guide to car seat safety: Tips, rules & product picks The updated regulation—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a (FMVSS 213a)—adds a new crash test specifically for side-impact collisions. Why this matters: These crashes often happen at intersections and are especially dangerous for children seated on the side of the car. The new test simulates a 30 mph side crash and ensures that car seats: Keep children properly restrained Prevent head contact with the vehicle interior Reduce the force of impact on the chest The new rule applies to seats made for kids under 40 pounds—typically infant and toddler seats. Many manufacturers are already producing car seats that meet the new FMVSS 213a standard, but it may not be clearly labeled on the box. Ask the retailer if the model complies with the new standard Contact the brand's customer service to confirm Use the NHTSA's car seat guide to match your child's age and size with the correct seat Use the NHTSA's installation locator tool to get your seat checked by a certified technician Yes, , and it's more important than it sounds. Over time, plastic parts can degrade, safety technology evolves, and newer standards (like this one) come into effect. An expired seat may no longer offer optimal protection. Look for the expiration date printed on the bottom or side of the seat If there isn't one, check the date of manufacture and visit the manufacturer's website for their specific lifespan (typically 6–10 years) Related: 10 car seat guidelines every parent needs to know If you're the research-loving type, you can view the actual crash test data and technical breakdowns behind the regulation update on the NHTSA website: NHTSA side-impact test database Already own a seat? Check for expiration, recalls, and proper installation Buying a new one? Ask if it meets FMVSS 213a and confirm with the brand Use NHTSA tools for choosing and installing the right seat No need to panic—but being informed puts you in the driver's seat This update is a positive move toward safer rides for our little ones—and by staying aware, you're doing exactly what matters most: protecting your child with love, care, and confidence.
23-05-2025
- Automotive
New car seat regulations go into effect: What parents need to know
Parents purchasing a new car seat in the next year will want to be aware of an important safety update: Starting June 30, 2025, all car seats sold in the U.S. must meet new federal safety standards aimed at improving protection during side-impact collisions. The regulation, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is a major move toward reducing child fatalities and injuries in what experts consider one of the most dangerous types of crashes. "These new standards are a major step forward in protecting children during one of the most serious types of crashes," the agency told "Good Morning America." Why now? Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, can be particularly deadly for children because there is less space and structure between them and the point of impact, the NHTSA said. While frontal crashes remain the most common, the NHTSA noted that side impacts cause nearly as many fatalities and serious injuries for children under 12. So why weren't side-impact tests part of the original safety standards? According to the NHTSA, the delay was due to the extensive data required under the Vehicle Safety Act. "We focused on frontal crash protection first because those are the most frequent crashes and lead to the most injuries and deaths in child car seats," the agency said. It wasn't until years of research, including the development of a specialized side-impact crash dummy and test, that the agency was able to introduce a new rule based on real-world risk. What is FMVSS No. 213a? The updated regulation, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a, adds a new sled test for child seats simulating a 30 mph side-impact crash involving two vehicles. The rule applies to child seats designed for children weighing under 40 pounds. "NHTSA's new standard ensures that child seats can restrain the child, prevent harmful head contact with a vehicle door or seat structure and reduce crash forces to the chest," the agency said. What this means for parents If you already own a car seat, there's no need to replace it, as long as it hasn't expired, is correctly installed and has not been recalled. "Current child seats are highly effective in reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury in vehicle crashes," the NHTSA said. To ensure maximum protection, the agency recommends using the correct type of seat based on your child's weight and height, following manufacturer instructions and checking installation. Tools like the NHTSA's Find the Right Seat guide and Inspection Station Locator can help. For those shopping for a new seat, many brands are already ahead of the June 2025 deadline, the NHTSA said. While not all packaging will explicitly mention compliance with FMVSS 213a, consumers can contact manufacturers directly to confirm. According to the NHTSA, all car seats sold after June 30, 2025, must meet the new standard. What parents should do now Check the expiration date of your current seat. Verify recalls and register your car seat with the manufacturer. Use installation guides or visit a certified safety technician. Ask your retailer or car seat brand if a new model meets the 213a standard. What's next? While this update represents a major leap in child passenger safety, the NHTSA said there are no additional updates planned for booster seats or other restraint systems at this time. However, the agency continues to conduct research and may revise guidelines as new data becomes available. In the meantime, parents and caregivers interested in the science behind these changes can view the crash tests that informed the new regulation. The NHTSA conducted four side-impact crash tests with dummies representing 3-year-old children to ensure accuracy. These tests, numbers 6634 through 6637, are available in the NHTSA's research database here.
