On April 2, 2025, changes are happening regarding Michigan car seat laws to improve safety for children. Proper car seat and booster seat installation, as well as following all manufacturer instructions, is imperative to protect children. This will dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death if a child happens to be in a car accident. Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children under the age of 13, according to Michigan State Police.

Children must be secured in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their weight and height. This means:

Infant-Age 2: Children must be in a rear facing car seat until they are 2 years old, or until they have reached the weight and height requirement of their seat.

Age 2-5: Children must be in a harnessed (Typically forward-facing) car seat until they are 5 years old, or until they have reached the weight and height requirement of their seat.

Age 5-8: Children must be in a booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or shorter than 4 ft 9 inches.

Under at 13: Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to sit in the front seat.

If a vehicle does not have a back seat, or if all the back row seats are occupied by children under the age of 4, children are permitted to ride in the front seat so long as they are in the proper car seat/booster seat (rear or forward facing) for their age, height, and weight. The air bag must also be turned off.

If Michigan drivers do not abide by these laws, they not only endanger their children, but they could also face a civil infraction. While they will not see any jail time or points on their license, they could face potential fines, penalties, and court costs.

If you are unsure of the correct way to install your child’s seat, visit your local police department, fire station, or hospital and they will make sure it is done correctly. The state of Michigan says that you can reduce the risk of death in a car accident by 50% by making sure your children are properly restrained in the appropriate car seat, booster seat, and even seat belt.

Written by Tracy Gaudenzi

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