Michigan’s new child passenger safety laws go into effect today — here’s what to know

Michigan has changes coming to its child safety laws that start April 2.

Vehicle crashes are the one of the leading causes of death for young children in Michigan. Properly restraining children in a suitable car seat or booster seat for their age and size can reduce the risk of death in a crash by 50%.

The updates aim to provide improved precautions and protections for child passengers.

The updated laws mandate that children must be secured in a car seat suitable for their age, weight, and height, as specified by the car seat manufacturer.

• Infants up to two years old must be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they either reach the maximum weight or height specified by the car seat manufacturer or turn two years old.

• Children aged two to five years may transition to a forward-facing car seat, remaining there until reaching either the maximum weight or height specified by the manufacturer or until they turn five.

• Children aged five to eight should transition to a belt-positioning booster seat using a lap-and-shoulder belt until they reach 4 feet 9 inches or 8 years old.

• All children under 13 years must ride in the rear seat of a vehicle if the vehicle has one available.

• Children under age 4 must use a car seat in the vehicle’s rear seat if available. If all rear seats are occupied by children under 4, a child may use a car seat in the front seat. A rear-facing car seat in the front seat requires the airbag to be turned off.

• Children must be secured in a car seat or booster seat until they are either 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, depending on which happens first.

More information can be found on the Office of Highway Safety Planning website.