Starting this spring, the state of Michigan will implement new child car seat laws.
The new law (Public Act 21 of 2024), signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last spring, goes into effect on April 2, 2025.
For children under the age of two: Infants must now remain in a rear-facing child car seat until they are at least two years old and have reached the manufacturer’s height and weight limits. (Previously, Michigan law stated that children under the age of one should remain rear-facing.
For children ages 2 to 5: A child must be harnessed in a rear or forward-facing seat until the age of 5. (Previously, the law required children under the age of four to use a child car seat.
For older kids: There are no changes to booster seat requirements. Children under the age of eight, or 4’9” tall, are still required to use booster seats. After that, it is still recommended that all children aged 12 and under sit in the backseat.
According to experts, using a car seat or booster seat appropriate for your child’s age and size can help prevent injuries and fatalities in crashes. Get some quick tips at this link, or more detailed information on child car seat safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration HERE.
If you’re still unsure about the rules, or simply want to make sure you’re doing everything correctly, you can have your child’s car seat professionally checked. Have your car seat inspected at a station near you.
