Car Seat Law Changes: Is Your Seat Still Legal?
2025 Car Seat Law Changes: What Families Need to Know
Starting June 30, 2025, manufacturers must begin designing car seats to meet new safety standards—but the deadline for full compliance has now been extended to December 5, 2026. These 2025 car seat law changes, under FMVSS 213a, aim to boost protection in side-impact crashes.
Here’s what you need to know, in plain terms.
What’s Changing and When
Under FMVSS 213a, new car seats must meet stricter safety benchmarks, especially regarding side-impact protection. Key updates include:
- Side-impact testing at 30 mph for seats under 40 lb
- Infant seats limited to 30 lb max
- Forward-facing seats must start at 26.5 lb
- Booster seats start at 40 lb and meet minimum height
- New label standards for weight and height on all seats
But here’s the important timeline: while new-seat production must align with these specs post–June 30, 2025, manufacturers have until December 5, 2026 to complete testing, certification, and labeling—thanks to NHTSA’s extension.
Changes at a Glance
| Feature | Today (Mass/Federal) | New Rule Requirements | Compliance Deadline |
| Infant seat weight | Up to 35 lb (varies by seat) | Max 30 lb | Already required post 6/30/2025 |
| Forward-facing seat use | Typically ≥22 lb | Must be at least 26.5 lb | Already required post 6/30/2025 |
| Booster start weight | Often 40 lb (recommended) | 40 lb + height min | Already required post 6/30/2025 |
| Side-impact testing | Not required | Required for seats ≤ 40 lb | Must be certified by 12/5/2026 |
| Labeling clarity | Varies by brand | Standard minimum weight/height info | Must meet by 12/5/2026 |
FAQs on New Side-Impact Rule, FMVSS 213a
Recommended car seats based on your child’s age and size
Massachusetts Law Still Applies
The Massachusetts state law—including guidance from the Blackstone Police Department—remains in place. The federal updates don’t alter that—they raise product safety standards.
- Your current seat is still fine if it’s not expired, recalled, fits your child, and is installed correctly.
- If you’re buying a new seat, later models need to be side-impact tested and properly labeled—and will fully meet that requirement by December 5, 2026.
Buying a New Car Seat soon? Here’s What to Know
If you’re planning to buy a car seat this year, there’s some good news: many brands already have models on the market that meet the upcoming FMVSS 213a standards. That means you don’t necessarily have to wait until the deadline to find a safer seat with side-impact protection.
However, it might not always be clear which seats are compliant. Some manufacturers include this information on the product page or packaging, but they aren’t legally required to display it yet. If you’re unsure, check the seat’s labeling or visit the manufacturer’s website for confirmation.
Local Help from the Blackstone Police
Not sure about your car seat’s fit, label, or installation? The Blackstone Police Department provides local support for families with young children.
Officer Joseph Niemczyk is the department’s Child Safety Seat Contact Officer, available to assist with car seat questions and installations. Blackstone residents can:
- Schedule an appointment by calling 508-876-5808 or emailing jniemczyk@blackstonepolice.org
- Visit on a walk-in basis, no appointment required
REMEMBER: You can reduce the risk by making sure your child always rides in a properly fastened and secured seat.
Looking Ahead: Keep Kids Safe
Whether you’re heading to a school pickup, a park playdate, or just driving across town, making sure your child’s car seat meets both Massachusetts state law and the upcoming federal safety standards is one more way we all help protect Blackstone families.
The updated rules—officially known as FMVSS 213a—will begin impacting new car seats starting June 30, 2025, but manufacturers have until December 5, 2026 to fully comply with the new side-impact testing and labeling standards. That gives families some breathing room to learn, plan ahead, and make informed choices.
These car seat law changes are a great reminder to:
- Check your current seat’s expiration date
- Make sure your child still fits within the size range
- Look for new labeling if you’re purchasing a seat in the next year
Staying up to date on safety guidelines, knowing your local resources, and sharing this information with friends and neighbors can go a long way in keeping kids safer on the roads—right here in our small town.
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