LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s Child Passenger Safety Laws are getting an overhaul. Beginning April 2, 2025, updated state law will require that children be secured in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt that is appropriate for their height and weight as specified by the seat’s manufacturer.

The changes come as traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for young children. Properly securing children in age- and size-appropriate restraints can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by up to 50%, according to state safety officials.

New Age-Based Requirements:
Under the updated law:

• Infants to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the seat’s manufacturer or until their second birthday.

• Ages 2 to 5 must use a forward-facing car seat until they outgrow the seat by height or weight, or turn 5 years old.

• Ages 5 to 8 must ride in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall or 8 years old.

• Under 13 years must ride in the rear seat if the vehicle has one.

Current state law already requires children under age 4 to ride in the back seat in a car seat, unless all rear seats are occupied by younger children. A rear-facing seat is only permitted in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.

Children must be properly restrained in a car seat or booster until they meet either the minimum age of 8 or a height of 4 feet, 9 inches — whichever comes first.

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Recommendations and Additional Rules:
Officials recommend that children over age 8 continue to use a booster seat if the seat belt does not fit them properly. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat whenever possible.

In addition:

• All drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts.

• All passengers between the ages of 8 and 15 are also required to wear a properly adjusted seat belt.

The Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) has developed a flyer outlining these changes. Traffic safety partners can request free printed copies by emailing TrafficSafety@michigan.gov or by using the Traffic Safety Materials Catalog Order Form.

More information, including how to choose the right seat for your child’s age and size, can be found at Michigan’s official traffic safety website.