Updates to Michigan’s Child Passenger Safety Laws:
Vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of death for young
children. But you can reduce your child’s risk of death in a crash by 50% just
by making sure they’re properly restrained in the appropriate car seat, booster
seat, or seat belt for their age and size.
According to updated laws that take effect April 2, 2025,
children must be secured in a car seat that is appropriate for their weight and
height as indicated by the car seat’s manufacturer. These updates state:
- Infant to two years: A
child must be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum
weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer or the child is 2
years old.
- Two to five years: The
child can then move into a forward-facing car seat until they reach the
maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer or the
child is 5 years old.
- Five to eight years: The
child can then move to a belt-positioning booster seat using a lap and
shoulder belt until they are 4’ 9” or 8 years old.
- All children under
thirteen years: Children under the age of 13 must ride in the rear seat of
a vehicle if the vehicle has one available
The OHSP created a flyer outlining the updated
child passenger safety laws. This flyer is also available in Arabic and
Spanish. Michigan organizations can order copies of the flyer for free
by writing “Updated Child Passenger Safety Laws flyer” and the language
it’s needed in on the Traffic Safety Materials Catalog order form or
emailing the request to TrafficSafety@michigan.gov.
Michigan's Child Passenger Safety Laws also require:
- Children younger than age 4 to ride in a car seat in the rear seat (if the vehicle has a rear seat). If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.
- Children must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.
Recommendations:
- It is recommended that children 8 and older be placed in an age- and weight-appropriate child safety seat if the vehicle’s seat belt does not fit properly. All children ages 12 and under ride in a rear seat.
- Drivers, front-seat passengers regardless of age, and all passengers ages 8 through 15 are required to wear properly adjusted seat belts.
How to Choose the Right Car Seat:
Heatstroke Prevention:
It is important to protect your kids and other loved ones from extreme heat. It is never safe to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Always remember to Look Before You Lock!
