Michigan's new car seat law takes effect April 2: What to know
- Michigan’s updated car seat law requires children under 2 years old to be in a rear-facing car seat.
- Previously, only children under 1 had to be in a rear-facing car seat
- Children aged 2-5 should use a front-facing car seat and children under 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must use a booster seat.
Michigan’s updated car seat law, which requires children under the age of 2 years old to be in a rear-facing car seat, will go into effect April 2. Previously, only children under the age of 1 had to be rear-facing.
Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 13, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each year, 325 children under 5 years old are saved by car seats.
What to know
Starting next month, children have to remain in a rear-facing child car seat until they’re 2 years old or have reached the height and weight limits determined by the car seat’s manufacturer.
The state will require that children between the ages of 2 and 5 be in a forward-facing car seat with an internal harness, with straps that go over the shoulders and around the hips. Previously, the car seat requirement covered children up to the age of 4.
Related:
- Police use of license plate readers raising privacy concerns in Michigan
- Michigan transit agencies try thermal imaging to prevent pedestrian crashes
- New Michigan law: Keep 200 feet from snowplows or face $100 fine
Children under 8 years old or are no taller than 4 feet 9 inches must remain in a belt-positioning booster seat.
When can my child sit in the passenger seat?
Kids who have outgrown their booster seat are still required to sit in the rear seat until they are 13 years old.
Finding the right seat
A child’s car seat should be custom to their weight and height. Generally, the harness should be snug without slack and the chest clip should be at armpit level.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tips on how to find the perfect car seat, recommendations, and instructions on how to install car seats. Many fire departments offer inspections to ensure the car seat is properly installed.
NHTSA recommends that drivers register that car seat so that they can be notified about recalls and safety notices.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!