Car Seat Laws for Michigan: Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

According to Michigan law, a “child less than 4 years of age” must be properly secured in a “child restraint system” ( that meets federal safety requirements. (MCL 257.710d(1)). To translate this law, a child should travel in a rear-facing seat until he/she is in the height and weight limit of the seat.

Michigan law says that a child will travel in an appropriate system until 4 years of age. After exceeding the limit of a rear-facing seat, this appropriate system will be a forward facing seat. However, don’t rush to graduate the child to the forward-facing. Rear-facing is the safer option and keep the child there for as long as possible.

Children who are between 4 to 8 years of age and less than 4’9” tall, must travel in a booster seat. According to law, they must be in a “child restraint system”, which essentially translates to booster seats.

Children younger than age 4 will ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.

750.135a says that a child under that age of 6 can’t be left alone in a car, in a manner that will put his/her life in danger. You can read more about it here.

There are currently no laws in Michigan that would make smoking in cars with child passengers a crime.

Part 3 of Section 257.710d of Michigan Vehicle Code makes it clear that these laws do not apply to taxi drivers.

Legal Requirements

Age-Based Requirements

Children under 4 years:

• Must be in a car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle
• If all rear seats are occupied by children under 4, child may ride in front seat
• Front seat placement requires deactivation of airbags when rear-facing

Children ages 4-8:

• Must be in a car seat or booster seat
• Height requirement: Until reaching 4'9" tall
• Must be properly secured according to manufacturer specifications

Ages 8+ or 4'9" and taller:

• May use regular seat belts
• Must still follow proper seat belt positioning guidelines

Seat Position Requirements

• Children under 4 must ride in rear seat if vehicle has one
• Rear-facing seats cannot be placed in front of active airbags
• All children under 13 recommended to ride in rear seat

Type of Restraints by Age/Size

Infant Seats (Birth to 2 years)

• Must be rear-facing
• Use until child reaches weight/height limit of seat
• Typically good for 22-35 pounds
• Must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Convertible Seats (2-4 years)

• Forward-facing with harness
• Use until child reaches weight/height limit
• Typically good for 40-65 pounds
• Must be anchored using LATCH system or seat belt

Booster Seats (4-8 years)

• Required until child reaches 4'9"
• Must use lap and shoulder belt
• Two types available:
  • High-back boosters
  • Backless boosters

Penalties for Violations

• Primary enforcement law
• First offense: Fine up to $65
• Subsequent offenses: Increased fines
• Court costs may be added
• Points may be added to driving record

Safety Resources for Parents

Local Inspection Stations

• Michigan State Police offers free car seat checks
• Certified technicians available at many hospitals
• Local fire departments often provide installation assistance
• Schedule appointments through SafeKids Michigan

Educational Resources

• Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning
• SafeKids Michigan chapters
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Local health departments

Financial Assistance Programs

• Low-income assistance through MDHHS
• WIC program car seat assistance
• Local SafeKids chapters
• Some insurance companies offer assistance

Best Practices Beyond the Law

Installation Tips

• Read both car seat and vehicle manuals
• Check for proper recline angle
• Ensure less than 1 inch of movement at base
• Keep harness straps snug
• Position chest clip at armpit level

Regular Safety Checks

• Check expiration date on car seat
• Inspect for visible damage
• Register seat for recall notifications
• Replace after any accident
• Check harness fit monthly

Winter Safety

• Remove bulky coats before securing child
• Use thin, warm layers
• Cover child with coat/blanket after buckling
• Check harness tightness frequently

Emergency Information

• Keep car seat manual accessible
• Know seat's location in case of emergency
• Keep emergency contact info with seat
• Know how to quickly release harness
• Keep basic first aid kit in vehicle

Michigan law doesn’t provide any guidance regarding car seat replacement in case of an accident. But a general rule is always to replace your car seat after a major accident as they can get invisible cracks in their plastic bodies and aren’t safe for further use.