New Car Seat Laws for Missouri Parents Here’s What’s Changing

New car seat laws will take effect soon. What does this mean for your current car seat, and what should every Missouri parent be aware of?

New Car Seat Laws for Missouri Parents: Here's What’s Changing

I’m well past my car seat days, but when I was deep into that phase, I researched extensively to ensure we had the safest options for protecting our girls in the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued major changes to improve child safety in car seats.

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Due to an increase in T-bone accidents, the NHTSA is implementing new safety measures that all car seat manufacturers must comply with by December 5, 2026. Initially, these new regulations were set to begin in June 2025, but the NHTSA had to get more extensive data, according to ABC News.

Do You Need A New Car Seat?

If you already have a car seat, the answer is no, you don’t need to replace it. As long as your car seat has no recalls and hasn’t been damaged, it is safe to continue using it. However, moving forward, all new car seats will be built to withstand T-bone accidents.

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What Makes These Car Seats Safer?

The new car seats will include what’s called a “sled test,” designed to improve safety in accidents, especially T-bone collisions, by simulating side impacts at 30 MPH. This rule is for children who are in any car seat weighing under 40 pounds.

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The good news is that many of the major car seat manufacturers are already meeting these new requirements. By the end of 2026, all car seat manufacturers will be required to comply with these standards. If you are in the market for a car seat, be sure to do your research and confirm that your new seat meets the latest safety standards.