CPST Child Restraint Registration, Recalls & Product Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency has authority over child restraint safety standards in the United States?
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (Correct answer)
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Correct answer: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
NHTSA sets and enforces Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that govern child restraint performance and safety requirements.
Question 2: Under FMVSS No. 213, child restraints sold in the United States must be tested using which type of test fixture?
- A standardized bench seat test fixture (Correct answer)
- A real production vehicle seat
- A motorcycle sidecar seat
- An aircraft seat fixture
Correct answer: A standardized bench seat test fixture
FMVSS No. 213 requires child restraint testing on a standardized bench seat test fixture to ensure consistent, repeatable crash performance evaluation.
Question 3: A child restraint was involved in a moderate-to-severe crash. What is the recommended course of action?
- Replace the seat immediately, even if no damage is visible (Correct answer)
- Inspect for visible damage and reuse if none is found
- Have a mechanic inspect and certify it for continued use
- Use it only in the rear seat after the crash
Correct answer: Replace the seat immediately, even if no damage is visible
After a moderate-to-severe crash, child restraints should be replaced because internal structural damage may not be visible but can compromise protection.
Question 4: NHTSA's definition of a 'minor crash' that may allow continued use of a child restraint includes which criterion?
- The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash scene (Correct answer)
- The airbags did not inflate in any vehicle in the crash
- No injuries were reported to any occupant
- The child was not in the seat at the time of the crash
Correct answer: The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash scene
NHTSA's minor crash criteria include the vehicle being drivable after the crash, along with several other conditions; all five criteria must be met for continued use to be considered.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a child restraint's certification label showing compliance with FMVSS No. 213?
- It confirms the seat meets federal minimum safety standards for sale in the U.S. (Correct answer)
- It guarantees the seat will prevent all injuries in a crash
- It indicates the seat was tested in a real vehicle
- It shows the seat has been approved by the AAP
Correct answer: It confirms the seat meets federal minimum safety standards for sale in the U.S.
The FMVSS No. 213 certification label indicates the restraint meets minimum federal safety performance requirements required for legal sale in the United States.
Question 6: How long is a typical child restraint's useful life from the date of manufacture?
- 6 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer's specification (Correct answer)
- 2 to 3 years for all seat types
- Indefinitely if stored properly
- 20 years if the seat is unused
Correct answer: 6 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer's specification
Most manufacturers set expiration dates of 6 to 10 years from manufacture, though the specific lifespan varies by brand and model.
CPST Child Restraint Registration, Recalls & Product Safety 2
Which federal agency has authority over child restraint safety standards in the United States?