LANSING, Mich. — New child passenger safety laws in Michigan are set to go into effect on April 2, following the governor’s signing of two bills last year aimed at enhancing the safety of young passengers in vehicles.
The updated regulations will require children to be securely fastened in a car seat that is appropriate for their weight and height, as outlined by the car seat manufacturer’s instructions. These new rules are intended to minimize the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash by ensuring that children are properly restrained based on their age and size.
The law’s key provisions include:
- Infants to 2 Years Old: Must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.
- Ages 2 to 5 Years Old: Children can sit in a forward-facing car seat until they hit the manufacturer’s recommended weight or height limit.
- Ages 5 to 8 Years Old: Children must use a belt-positioning booster seat with both a lap and shoulder belt until they are 4’9” tall.
- Under 13 Years Old: Children are required to ride in the backseat if one is available in the vehicle.
Additionally, the law mandates that children under the age of 4 ride in a car seat in the back seat whenever possible. However, if the vehicle lacks a back seat or if all the available rear seats are occupied by other children under 4, a child under 4 may ride in the front seat, but only if the airbag is turned off.
The Michigan State Police emphasize that using the proper car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for a child’s size and age can reduce the risk of death in a crash by up to 50%.
These updated laws are part of Michigan’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety for children and to ensure that parents and caregivers are equipped with the latest information to protect their young passengers.
