Top Tether Anchor

The top tether (3, 4) is used to secure the top of a child restraint to the vehicle. The top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether hook (2) on the child restraint's tether strap attaches to the top tether anchor to reduce forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

A child restraint may have a single tether strap (3) or a dual tether strap (4). Either will have one attachment hook (2) to connect the top tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints with a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether attached. Others require the top tether to always be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

: Seating positions with top tether anchors.

: Seating positions with two lower anchors.

To help locate the lower anchors, each second-row seating position has a label near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

To help locate the top tether anchor, the top tether anchor symbol is located near the top tether anchor.

Top Tether Anchors

The top tether anchors for each rear seating position are located on the back of the rear seatback. The rear panel/storage compartment cover may need to be adjusted to access the anchor. Be sure to use the anchor on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions supplied with the child restraint state that the top tether must be attached.

According to crash statistics, children and infants are safer when a child restraint or child restraint system is properly secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint for more information.