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Booster Seat Safety Act
3/22/2023, 1:01 PM
Summary of Bill HR 5736
Under the Booster Seat Safety Act, children who are under a certain age or size would be required to use a booster seat while riding in a motor vehicle. This is intended to ensure that children are properly restrained and protected in the event of a car accident.
The bill also includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance, such as fines for parents or guardians who fail to ensure that their child is using a booster seat as required by the law. Additionally, the legislation calls for increased public awareness campaigns to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of booster seat safety. Overall, the Booster Seat Safety Act aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities among child passengers in motor vehicle accidents by promoting the use of booster seats as an effective safety measure. It is currently under review in Congress and may be subject to amendments before being voted on.
Congressional Summary of HR 5736
Booster Seat Safety Act
This bill addresses labeling requirements and testing standards for booster seats used in motor vehicles.
Specifically, the bill requires labels on booster seats to include the minimum recommended age (4 years) and weight (40 pounds) for a child to use the seat. It also requires that a label on a car seat or combination car seat list the maximum weight and height limits of the seat, as well as a recommendation to continue using the seat until the child exceeds the listed limits.
Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must either establish a minimum height recommendation for booster seats or a method for manufacturers to use to determine a minimum height recommendation. Once the minimum height or method is established, booster seat labels must also contain the minimum height recommendation.
The NHTSA must also establish a standard for side-impact crash tests for booster seats and provide guidelines for creating a testing dummy that approximates a six-year old child for such crash tests.
Further, the NHTSA must study systems for tethering child restraint systems in vehicles and make recommendations about using or modifying tether systems to maximize child safety.
