The height and function of the headrest will vary by state.
Most states require that headrests must be at least 28 inches high and must be able to touch the top of a seated adult's head.
Some states have different requirements for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 pounds and those over 10,000 pounds.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 202 also has requirements for headrests in vehicles. FMVSS 202 requires that headrests be installed in all passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks, and vans, manufactured on or after September 1, 1967.
Headrests must be:
- Capable of preventing a person's head from being thrown back more than 40 degrees in a rear-end collision.
- Adjustable to accommodate different heights.
- Made of energy-absorbing material.
