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Child Passenger Safety
Child Passenger Safety
Michigan’s Child Passenger Safety Laws:
- 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 The Michigan Office of Highway Planning (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:
- Using a car seat or booster seat that's right for your child’s age and size can help prevent injuries and fatalities caused by car crashes. Find important tips to help you choose the right seat and keep your child safe in the car at any age.
More Resources:
Videos:
Harness Fit
Five Step Test
Common Mistakes
Booster Seats
Tween Belt Safety
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!