New Car Seat Regulations: What You Need To Know

NEW JERSEY - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued new federal safety standards for car seats to better protect children from crashes to the side of vehicles, known as “T-bone” collisions.

The updated safety measure within Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213a applies to seats for children 40 pounds and under, and includes a new test simulating a 30-mph side crash.

According to ABC News, the NHTSA says these regulations were not implemented earlier due to the extensive data required and years of research that led to the development of a specialized side-impact crash dummy and test.

Originally set to take effect on June 30, the NHTSA revealed to Yahoo via Parents.com, that they are delaying compliance requirements until December 5, 2026 to allow manufacturers adequate time to test and adjust their car seat models.

The delay comes after manufacturers voiced their concerns to the NHTSA about the lack of test labs and the fact that small volume manufacturers don’t have their own practices to design and verify their products to satisfy the new, more advanced measures.

"To ensure an adequate supply of child restraint systems for consumers to purchase while manufacturers adapt to the new standard, NHTSA is extending the lead time for compliance," the NHTSA told Yahoo via Parents.com.

Is Your Seat Compliant?

If you already have a car seat, you do not have to buy a new one as long as it has not expired.

According to both ABC News and Yahoo via Parents.com, many brands have already implemented the new standard, but if you are unsure, you should call the manufacturer to confirm if their seats are following the FMVSS 213a safety requirements.

According to the latest federal Children Traffic Safety Stats, 43 percent of children killed in car crashes were not restrained in a car seat.

The NHTSA recommends you keep your child in a car seat for as long as possible, as long as they fit within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements. Children should sit in the back seat through at least age 12.

NHTSA Car Seat Selection Guide