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Rfing Limits as in manual ..
- Thread starter Pepse
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Kat_Momof3
New member
that's a good question... bumping for techs.
An Aurora
Senior Community Member
I'm not sure what you are asking here.
CTPDMom
Ambassador - CPS Technician
I think what they're asking is:
If a child is over the stated height limit of 32".
But still in the seat as it's not 'outgrown' by the '1" or more above the head' rule that we generally hold as a standard.
Does that nullify the manufacturer's liability because 'we' are using the seat over and above their set limits?
(IS that what you're asking?)
If a child is over the stated height limit of 32".
But still in the seat as it's not 'outgrown' by the '1" or more above the head' rule that we generally hold as a standard.
Does that nullify the manufacturer's liability because 'we' are using the seat over and above their set limits?
(IS that what you're asking?)
MissAllyLou
New member
If that's what you're asking, I would say no, because most manufacturer's state that height is a guideline, the seat isn't truly outgrown rear-facing until there is less than an inch of shell above the head. So, I would say no.
TechnoGranola
Forum Ambassador
The 32" RF height limit is on seats in the U.S. too? Wow, I never knew! I thought it was only us Canadians who got stuck with that garbage in the manual. Especially the garbage in the new Britax manual where they the 32" limit listed in their "death or injury can occur if you don't follow this" section, and then again in the RF section they have a huge, red outlined box with red "warning" saying NEVER to use it RF if the child is more than 32".
crunchierthanthou
New member
I'm not sure that's the case. Most that I'm aware of that state a rf height limit will say that it is a hard limit and it's that or 1" of shell above the child's head- whichever comes first.
It's generally only techs who say height limits are more of a guideline because children grow in such different proportions and rates. weight limits, on the other hand, are absolute.
technogranola- I believe the OP is canadian. Most of the US convertibles that state them have rf height limits higher than 32". In fact, our Britax convertible manuals have an overall height limit but don't state a separate rf height limit, just the 1" rule.
TechnoGranola
Forum Ambassador
Well that clears that up then! It wasn't in the Canadian forum, so I assumed a U.S. poster.
(which makes me think, wouldn't the liability question be better in the Canadian forum as insurance/laws/liability are much different in Canada than the U.S.? Heck, they're different between Canadian provinces)
crunchierthanthou
New member
probably. Although there are several posters who I only know are Canadian because I've tried to answer questions based on US info only to be told later that they are Canadian. That's my proposal for a new rule. If you're Canadian, your location should say that. We don't need to know your town or even province, but narrowing down the country would be helpful.
Kat_Momof3
New member
I figured it was in regard to the Graco SS1, which has a limit of 32" tall or less than 1" above the head.
Graco isn't specific about if it's whatever comes first, though.
Graco isn't specific about if it's whatever comes first, though.
I got into a heated discussion with a mom over this issue (in Canada). She was in a collision where insurance claim had to be filed. The insurance company gave her a hard time and questioned her in great details including if the child was rf at the time and what the weight and height of the child was, etc.
Her thought was that had she stick to the 1" rule and not the posted 32" posted height limit, then her claim might have been denied since it was considered usage against manufacture instructions. She was very clear that a letter from TC indicating the 1" rule would not have helped
Her thought was that had she stick to the 1" rule and not the posted 32" posted height limit, then her claim might have been denied since it was considered usage against manufacture instructions. She was very clear that a letter from TC indicating the 1" rule would not have helped
bubbaray
New member
I can answer this for Canadian law, well, for BC insurance law.
Technically, if you are transporting a child that is required by law to be in a child restraint, you have to ensure that the restraint is legal in Canada (ie., a Canadian certified seat) and that you are using it in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions (height, weight limits, ages if applicable, such as the Frontier).
If you are not using a seat when required to do so, or if you are using a non-Canadian seat, or if you are using a Canadian seat incorrectly, technically you are in breach of your insurance policy and your insurer can refuse to provide coverage. If an improperly restrained child is injured in a crash in which you are the responsible driver (and user of the improper/illegal restraint), you can be sued by the child (even if its your own) -- in which case, you don't have insurance coverage for any damages awarded to the child.
Everyone should be using a child restraint when required by law to do so. Everyone should be using only seats that are legal in their jurisdiction. Everyone should be following manufacturer's instructions.
Whether or not a particular insurer, or insurance adjuster, or insurance defence counsel, is even "live" to this issue is another thing altogether.
skiersnowboarder3
Senior Community Member
The next question then would be what about FFing height limits? If your child is over 52" but still fits in the regent, will insurance cover expenses if in a crash?
bubbaray
New member
If you are Canadian, driving a Canadian insured vehicle in Canada, No. Because the Regent is not legal in Canada, regardless of the height or weight of the child.
If you were using, say, a Canadian MA, then if the child was over 47" (the FFg max height), you are again in breach of your ins. policy....
skiersnowboarder3
Senior Community Member
Well you knew what I meant. :duck:
bubbaray
New member
Well, the thread *is* now in the Canadian forum.... Not sure where it was originally, but the location of the OP does seem to have arisen as an "issue".
I have no clue what the answer would be in the US. IIRC, the heights in the US are "guidelines", whereas they are not in Canada. Having said that, liability (and breach of insurance contract) is a bigger issue in the US than Canada, so it might be a wash. Dunno.
TechnoGranola
Forum Ambassador
I guess the OP needs to provide some more info to make the question clearer.
sorry ladies, i was refering to any car seat that states a rfing limit
Not one seat in specific.
I do have a Graco Safe Seat and a Britx Blvd. which i believe both are 32 rfing limites. I think the only seat in cdn that does not have a limit is the True fit.
I was asking if you were in an accident and your child had more than 1inch of hard shell but was over 32 inches what would happen in the case of the insurance company and coverage.
The law in Ontario is 20lbs to be ffing and that is it. If that was the case, i could have turned dd at 6 months.
Not one seat in specific.
I do have a Graco Safe Seat and a Britx Blvd. which i believe both are 32 rfing limites. I think the only seat in cdn that does not have a limit is the True fit.
I was asking if you were in an accident and your child had more than 1inch of hard shell but was over 32 inches what would happen in the case of the insurance company and coverage.
The law in Ontario is 20lbs to be ffing and that is it. If that was the case, i could have turned dd at 6 months.
bubbaray
New member
ON probably has a law (statute or regulation) that obliges a driver carrying a child to use the restraint in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Here is the language used in BC:
(2) A child referred to in subsection (1) must be securely fastened as follows:
(a) in a restraint system or booster seat referred to in subsection (1) (a) (i), (ii) (A) or (iii) (A) or (b) in accordance with the device manufacturer's instructions for that restraint system or booster seat;
my emphasis.
If its not a law in ON, there is likely a provision in your vehicle insurance.
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