Child Car Seat Rule Gets Quick Correction: Safety Clarified
Published Date: 3/3/2025
Rule
Summary
This correction fixes a small but important mistake in a January 2025 rule that makes child car seats and their anchor points easier and safer to use. It affects car makers and child safety seat manufacturers by clarifying when they must follow the new rules—starting three years after the original rule was published. The changes help keep kids safer in cars without adding extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Vehicle anchorages phased in from 2028
If you make vehicles, the rule keeps a 3‑year phase‑in for the updated FMVSS No. 225 beginning September 1, 2028: 20% of applicable vehicles from September 1, 2028 to August 31, 2029; 50% from September 1, 2029 to August 31, 2030; and 100% on and after September 1, 2030. Early compliance is permitted.
Child‑seat rule compliance date set
If you manufacture child restraints, the corrected rule sets the compliance date for the FMVSS No. 213b amendments as January 8, 2028. The correction also states that manufacturers may comply earlier if they choose, but early compliance is not required.
New marking and terminology apply from 2028
For child restraints manufactured on or after January 8, 2028, the corrected text requires specific marking and terminology: S5.6.1.13 and S5.6.1.14 language applies to child restraints manufactured on or after January 8, 2028, and S5.9(a) and S5.9(b) require pictogram markings for components and tether parts for child restraints manufactured on or after January 8, 2028.
Tether hardware length limit effective 2025
The corrected rule requires that the length of the tether hardware assembly (tether hook plus tightening/loosening mechanism) shall not exceed 165 mm for child restraints manufactured on or after January 8, 2025.
Amendments aim to improve child‑seat use and safety
The rule's amendments are intended to improve the ease‑of‑use of lower anchorages and tethers, improve correct use of child restraint systems, and maintain or improve their effectiveness in vehicles as reflected in the January 7, 2025 final rule and this correction.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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