Michigan was the state that surprised me with a major law update right when I was researching it. In April 2025, Michigan completely overhauled its child passenger safety laws — adding rear-facing requirements until age 2, forward-facing until age 5, and boosters until age 8. Before this update, Michigan’s law was one of the weakest in the country. The new law also includes a ticket waiver: if you get cited, you can have it dismissed by acquiring a proper seat and meeting with a certified technician. That’s the kind of enforcement that actually helps families.
Michigan recorded 1,099 traffic fatalities in 2024 — a number that’s stubbornly stayed above 1,000 since the pandemic. Teen fatalities rose 17% and distracted-driving deaths climbed 10%. Car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, making them critical protection for your child.
This guide covers Michigan’s updated car seat laws, real programs that provide free or low-cost seats, and the fastest steps to get one for your child today.
View our lists of free car seat programs by type:
Michigan car seat laws (updated April 2025)
Michigan significantly strengthened its child passenger safety laws effective April 2, 2025. The new requirements are:
- Birth to age 2: Must ride in a rear-facing car seat until reaching the maximum weight or height allowed by the seat’s manufacturer, or until age 2.
- Ages 2 through 4: Must use a forward-facing car seat with harness until reaching the seat’s maximum weight/height limit, or until age 5.
- Ages 5 through 7: Must use a belt-positioning booster seat with lap and shoulder belt until 4’9″ tall or age 8.
- Ages 8 and older: Must wear a seat belt.
- Under age 13: Should ride in the back seat.
Fines range from to 5 for first-time offenders. However, Michigan offers a ticket waiver: if you’re cited, you can have the ticket dismissed by acquiring a proper car seat and meeting with a certified child passenger safety technician. No points are added to your driving record.
If cost is the barrier, the programs below can help — and if you do get a ticket, getting a free seat through one of these programs can get it waived. Also check our best-rated convertible car seats guide for budget-friendly options.
Michigan-specific programs worth knowing about
MIHP Car Seat Distribution Program (statewide) — The Maternal Infant Health Program distributes free infant car seats to families enrolled in MIHP who are TANF-eligible (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families). This program runs through September 30, 2026, and works through Medicaid Health Plans. Ask your MIHP provider about car seat availability. Visit michigan.gov/mihp.
Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (statewide) — OHSP supports local car seat distribution efforts by providing seats for check events and fitting stations for low-income families. They coordinate with local agencies across the state. Visit michigan.gov/msp child passenger safety for fitting stations and events near you.
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Metro Detroit) — Offers year-round 1-on-1 Child Passenger Safety Checks and provides free car seats or booster seats to qualifying families. Visit waynemetro.org to schedule an appointment.
Family Futures / First Steps Kent (Kent County) — Provides free Pack n’ Plays and car seats to eligible families in Kent County. You qualify if enrolled in Medicaid, though families at certain income levels can also qualify. Visit firststepskent.org.
Kids Always Ride Safe — KARS (Houghton/Keweenaw Counties) — An education-based program through Portage Health System that provides car seats at reduced cost along with hands-on training from certified technicians. Especially helpful for WIC-enrolled families.
Midland Child Advocacy Center Car Seat Safety Program (Midland County) — Purchases and distributes car seats to qualifying Midland County families, with instruction on correct use, installation, and recall information. Visit midlandcac.org.
Safe Kids West Michigan / Mercy Health — Runs injury prevention programs including car seat inspections and distribution events in the Grand Rapids area.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan (Detroit) — Runs car seat safety programs and provides free seats to families in need during safety check events.
Trinity Health Michigan — Offers injury prevention programs including car seat safety inspections and access to low-cost or free car seats at multiple locations across Michigan.
Important: program availability and funding can change from year to year. If a program listed here has run out of seats or changed its requirements, check our complete state-by-state free car seat guide for additional options.
Start here — the fastest path to a free or low-cost seat
- If you’re on Medicaid and enrolled in MIHP, ask your provider — the MIHP Car Seat Distribution Program provides free infant seats to TANF-eligible families through 2026.
- In Metro Detroit, contact Wayne Metro at waynemetro.org — they offer year-round free car seat checks and distribution.
- In West Michigan, contact Family Futures / First Steps Kent — Medicaid-enrolled families in Kent County can get a free seat.
- Call 211 — Michigan’s helpline connects you to local assistance programs including car seat distribution in your county.
A quick warning about secondhand seats
If someone offers you a used car seat, proceed with caution. Only accept one if you can verify all four of these:
- It has never been in a crash — even a minor one
- It hasn’t expired (check the label — most seats expire 6 to 10 years after manufacture)
- There are no cracks, missing parts, or frayed harness straps
- It hasn’t been recalled by NHTSA
If you can’t confirm all four, it’s not worth the risk. A brand-new Cosco Mighty Fit 65 runs about and meets every federal safety standard. The Evenflo Tribute is another solid option around .
Don’t do this alone
Michigan’s April 2025 law update was a long time coming, and now the state has child passenger safety requirements that actually match the science. Between the MIHP program for Medicaid families, OHSP’s statewide fitting stations, and strong local programs in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and beyond, most Michigan families can find a path to a safe seat. With over 1,000 fatalities on Michigan roads in 2024, proper restraint for children isn’t optional — it’s essential. If you’re new to car seats entirely, start with our car seat safety basics guide to understand what type of seat your child needs right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free car seat in Michigan?
If you’re on Medicaid and enrolled in MIHP, ask your provider about the car seat distribution program. Wayne Metro in Metro Detroit provides free seats year-round. Family Futures in Kent County serves Medicaid-enrolled families. The Office of Highway Safety Planning coordinates fitting stations statewide. Check our full guide for more options.
What are Michigan’s new car seat laws?
As of April 2, 2025: children must be rear-facing until age 2, forward-facing until age 5, in a booster until age 8 or 4’9″, and in the back seat until age 13. Fines range from to 5 but can be waived by acquiring a proper seat and meeting with a certified technician.
Can I get a ticket waived in Michigan for a car seat violation?
Yes. Michigan’s law includes a ticket waiver provision — if you receive a citation, you can have it dismissed by acquiring an appropriate car seat and meeting with a certified child passenger safety technician. No points are added to your record for car seat violations.
Where can I get my car seat inspected in Michigan?
Wayne Metro offers year-round 1-on-1 checks in Metro Detroit. The Office of Highway Safety Planning coordinates fitting stations across the state. Many local fire departments and hospitals also have certified technicians. Find your nearest station through NHTSA’s locator tool.
What if I can’t afford a car seat in Michigan?
The MIHP program provides free seats to TANF-eligible Medicaid families. Wayne Metro, Family Futures, and Midland CAC all distribute free seats in their regions. KARS in the Upper Peninsula offers reduced-cost seats with education. If none work, the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 costs about and meets all federal safety standards.
Can I use a secondhand car seat in Michigan?
You can, but only if you know the seat’s complete history. Verify it hasn’t been in a crash, isn’t expired, has no damage, and hasn’t been recalled. With Michigan’s new, stronger laws, making sure your seat meets current requirements is more important than ever.
