Michigan Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent Should Know

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children under 13. The International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that car crashes cause 25% of child deaths.

A car accident can happen at a moment’s notice. Car seats and booster seats can reduce the risks of injury and death, which is why it’s essential for parents and caregivers to understand and follow Michigan car seat laws.

Michigan law requires children to use a car seat that aligns with their age, weight and height according to the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines. If your child is injured in a crash, our experienced car accident lawyers will help you receive the compensation you and your family deserve.

MICHIGAN CAR SEAT LAWS BY AGE AND SIZE

Michigan law has car seat and booster seat requirements for children based on their age and size.

• Infants to 2 years: Must ride in rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old, or until they reach the maximum weight or height limit for the car seat.
• 2 to 5 years: Those who have exceeded the weight and height limits of their rear-facing seat must use a forward-facing seat. Children should remain in this seat until they reach the maximum allowed age (5 years old) and/or size limit.
• 5 to 8 years: must ride in a car seat or belt-positioning booster seat using a lap and shoulder belt until they reach the age of 8 or height of 4 feet 9 inches.
• Under 13: All children younger than 13 are required to ride in the back seat (if there is one) of the vehicle using the appropriate car seat or seat belt.
• Under 16: All passengers under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt at all times, whether they are riding in the front or back seat of a vehicle.
• While passengers 16 or older are not required by law to wear a safety belt when riding in the rear seat of the car, we highly recommend that all passengers over 16 wear seat belts regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.

If a car has a rear seat (back seat), children under the age of 4 must be in a car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. If all rear seats are occupied by young children, then an exception is made for an additional child under 4 years old to ride in the front of the car using the appropriate car seat so long as the airbag is turned off.

MICHIGAN CAR SEAT LAW EXCEPTIONS

Parents and guardians should be aware of the following noteworthy exceptions to Michigan car seat laws:

Buses, Taxis, Motorcycles and Mopeds

Certain vehicles are not required by state or federal law to be equipped with seat belts. Taxis and buses, including school buses are among these exceptions. Other exceptions include motorcycles, mopeds and other two-wheeled vehicles. Therefore, children riding in these vehicles are not subject to the Michigan car seat laws that apply to the majority of passenger vehicles.

Cars Made Prior To 1965

Prior to 1965, car and truck manufacturers were not required to equip their vehicles with seat belts. Therefore, these vehicles are exempt from current Michigan car seat laws. However, parents should realize that allowing a child or young teen to ride without a car seat or seat belt is a dangerous practice.

Certain Physical or Medical Conditions

In special circumstances, if a child is unable to use a car seat or booster seat due to a physical or medical condition, the Secretary of State may exempt the child from complying with the Michigan seat belt laws that would normally apply. In that instance, the Secretary of State may specify alternate means of protection for the exempted child.

Note: A physician’s note will be needed in order for the Secretary of State to grant a seat belt exemption to a child who is unable to use a car seat due to a medical or physical condition.

AVOID COMMON CAR SEAT MISTAKES

A child cannot be protected by a car seat that’s the wrong size or improperly installed. Here are the five most common car seat mistakes and how you can avoid them:

1) Loose Harness Straps

Straps should fit snugly against the child. When the straps are fastened, you should not be able to pinch any excess strap material. Be sure that harness straps lay flat, not twisted or knotted.

2) Improperly Installed Car Seats

You should not be able to move a car seat more than one inch from side-to-side at the point where the car seat attaches to the vehicle.

3) Moving Children to a Larger Seat Too Soon

Children should stay in their car seats until they exceed the height or weight limits of the seat according to the Michigan car seat laws outlined above.

4) Securing the Chest Clip Too Low

Secure the chest clip level with the child’s armpits to ensure the straps remain in the correct position.

5) Putting Kids in the Front Seat Too Early

If a crash occurs, children under 13 can be seriously hurt by the force of an airbag.

Remember that a car seat must be properly installed in order to protect your child. If you need help installing a seat or determining which seat is best for your child, visit your local police or fire department.

WERE YOU IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH SMALL CHILDREN OR AN INFANT?

If you or a family member was injured in an accident involving a car seat or booster seat, contact us immediately. The experienced car accident lawyers at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm will guide you through the legal process while we fight to win the compensation you deserve.

Michigan car seat laws are complicated, but finding the right auto accident attorney is simple.

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety of your home.