DES MOINES, IA – Iowa parents are being reminded to double-check their child’s car seat expiration date as part of a new safety push from the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau.
According to the agency’s recent Traffic Topic Tuesday post, car seats have expiration dates typically stamped on the outer shell. Most seats expire between six and ten years after the original manufacturing date — a detail many parents may overlook.
Officials say the reminder is part of a broader effort to improve child passenger safety across Iowa, especially as colder months bring more family travel and potential road hazards.
Expired seats can weaken over time due to material degradation and may not provide full protection in a crash, according to safety experts.
Parents are encouraged to check labels on their child’s seat and replace any expired units immediately. More guidance on selecting and installing proper seats can be found at drivesmartiowa.com/child-passenger-safety.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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