Does Minnesota Law Require Child Car Seats Be Replaced After a Crash?

When it comes to car seat safety, Minnesotans want to be sure they’re following all of the necessary precautions to keep our little ones safe. But what happens if a car seat is involved in a crash, even when no child is present? Are you required by law to replace it?

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Sgt. Troy Christiansen with the Minnesota State Patrol recently clarified whether Minnesota law requires car seat replacement after an accident.

The Importance of Car Seat Safety in Minnesota

Vehicle crashes are a major concern in Minnesota, especially when it comes to protecting the youngest passengers. Between 2019 and 2023, MnDOT reports there were 12,827 crashes involving children aged 0-7 who were properly restrained.

The good news...

Nearly 89% of those children walked away uninjured, and another 10% only had minor injuries. But the tragic reality is that during the same period, 20 young children lost their lives in crashes, and only half of them were properly secured at the time.

Looking at those numbers, we see how important proper car seat usage is, including making sure a car seat is still safe to use after any crash.

Do You Have to Replace a Child Car Seat After It Was in a Crash?

According to Sgt. Christianson, there is no specific Minnesota statute requiring car seat replacement after a crash. However, the key factor is the manufacturer’s recommendation. If the car seat manufacturer advises replacement after a crash, that guidance should be followed, regardless of whether a child was in the seat at the time of the accident, says Christiansen.

READ MORE: How Are Minnesota Vehicle Tabs Calculated and Why So Expensive?

Insurance companies may not always cover replacement costs without proper documentation. Parents or caregivers should check with the car seat manufacturer to determine if their model requires replacement and provide that information to their insurer if needed.

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When Should a Car Seat Be Replaced?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines criteria to determine whether a crash is considered minor.  A car seat may not need replacement if all of the following apply:

• The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
• The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
• No passengers sustained injuries in the crash.
• The airbags did not deploy.
• There is no visible damage to the car seat.

If any of these conditions are not met, the crash is considered moderate to severe, and the car seat must be replaced.

Why Replacing a Car Seat After a Crash Is Important

Car seats are designed to absorb crash forces, and even if a seat looks undamaged, internal structural integrity may be compromised after an accident, making it unsafe for future use.

What Should Parents Do If a Car Seat Is Involved in a Crash?

• Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Each car seat brand has specific recommendations regarding replacement after a crash.
• Assess the Severity of the Crash: Use the NHTSA criteria to determine if the crash was minor or more severe.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: If the manufacturer requires replacement, provide documentation to your insurance company for potential coverage.
• When in Doubt, Replace It: If you’re unsure about the seat’s safety, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.