Michigan Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent Should Know
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Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that motor vehicle crashes account for a large share of child deaths in the United States.
A car accident can happen at a moment’s notice. Car seats and booster seats reduce the risk 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 pursue the compensation you and your family deserve.
Do You Have a Case?MICHIGAN CAR SEAT LAWS BY AGE AND SIZE
Public Act 21 of 2024, effective April 2, 2025, updated MCL 257.710d. Children must be secured as follows:
- Infants to 2 years: Must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old or until they reach the maximum weight or height limit for that seat.
- 2 to 5 years: After aging out of rear-facing, they must use a forward-facing seat with an internal harness until they are 5 years old or reach the seat’s height or weight limit.
- 5 to 8 years: Must ride in a belt-positioning booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
- Under 13: Children younger than 13 must ride in the back seat if the vehicle has one, using the appropriate car seat, booster or seat belt. If all rear seats are occupied by children, a child may ride in the front.
- Under 16: Passengers under 16 must wear a seat belt in the front or back seat.
- Passengers 16 or older are not required to wear a seat belt in the rear seat, but every passenger should buckle up regardless of where they sit.
A child in a rear-facing seat may ride in the front only if the front passenger airbag is turned off. To maximize safety, keep children in each stage of restraint until they reach the manufacturer’s height or weight limit.
MICHIGAN CAR SEAT LAW EXCEPTIONS
Parents and guardians should be aware of the following 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. Children riding in those vehicles are not subject to the same car seat rules that apply to most passenger vehicles.
Cars Made Prior To 1965
Prior to 1965, car and truck manufacturers were not required to equip vehicles with seat belts. Those vehicles are exempt from current Michigan car seat laws. Allowing a child to ride without a car seat or seat belt is still dangerous.
Certain Physical or Medical Conditions
If a child cannot use a car seat or booster because of a physical or medical condition, the Secretary of State may exempt the child and specify an alternate means of protection. A physician’s note is needed for that exemption.
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:
- Loose harness straps. Straps should fit snugly. When they are fastened, you should not be able to pinch excess strap material. Harness straps should lie flat, not twisted or knotted.
- Improperly installed car seats. You should not be able to move a car seat more than one inch from side to side at the belt or LATCH attachment point.
- Moving children to a larger seat too soon. Keep children in each seat until they exceed the height or weight limits for that stage.
- Securing the chest clip too low. The chest clip should sit at armpit level so the straps stay in the correct position.
- Putting kids in the front seat too early. Children under 13 can be seriously hurt by an airbag in a crash.
If you need help installing a seat or determining which seat is best, visit a certified child passenger safety technician, often through a 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. The experienced car accident lawyers at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm will guide you through the legal process and fight for 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 consultation.
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