A child seat law is in effect in Michigan. However, the law does not require children under two years old to be placed in a child seat until their weight exceeds 20 pounds and their height exceeds 47 inches. Children must be secured by a lap and shoulder belt and the rear-facing forward-facing safety seat until age seven.
We all want to ensure our children are safe when riding in the back of our cars. But things get a little complicated when looking at child safety laws. Learn the Michigan child seat law and requirements to keep your children safe.
Child seat law in Michigan states that the seat must be installed at an appropriate height above the child’s lap and secured by either a seat belt or a harness that keeps the child safely within the seat. The child should be able to rest their head and shoulders against the back of the heart, and both feet should touch the floor. Children under two years old and under 20 pounds cannot use a lap or shoulder belt to secure them in the car.
What are the new child safety seat laws?
Michigan has new child seat laws that went into effect in June 2018. You should know several things about the new child seat law and requirements.
First, all children must be properly restrained. This includes the backseat.
Second, children under eight must be buckled up in a booster seat until they reach a height of 40 inches.
Third, children between 8-15 years old must be buckled up in a forward-facing booster seat until they reach a height of 4 feet, 9 inches.
Finally, children 16 years old and older must be seated in a vehicle designed to hold at least eight passengers.
Child Seat Laws for Michigan
Michigan child safety seat laws require that children under eight be placed in a child restraint system that meets federal safety standards.
Children between the ages of 8 and 14 must be secured in a car or booster seat, meeting federal standards. The same is true for children between the ages of 8 and 14. A child under 8 must be reeighteighttrained in a vehicle or booster seat.
However, children between the ages of eight and 14 can ride in the front seat if properly restrained. While the laws are very clear, several exceptions may apply to your situation.
If you need to adjust the center to meet federal requirements, you must have a valid child safety seat permit. For instance, if your child has special needs, you may need to provide a different type of child safety seat. You may also need to provide additional safety devices to keep your child safe.
How to install a child safety seat correctly
This law only applies if you purchase a new car, and even then, only if you purchase it within the last ten years.
The law states that all seats must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and meet the vehicle’s size requirements. The heart must be attached firmly to the car, and seat belts must be fastened properly.
The car owner could face penalties if the child safety seat is installed incorrectly. For example, you could be fined $500 for improperly installing a child safety seat.
You must also install the seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When should I purchase a child car seat?
While most states require a child car seat installed by the manufacturer when you buy a new vehicle, Michigan is one of the few that only requires you to install a child car seat if your child weighs over 40 pounds.
There are pros and cons to this.
Pros
It makes it easier to switch to a booster seat later on.
Cons
It may be less expensive to skip the seat altogether.
How long does it take to install a child car seat?
Installing a child car seat can be a very confusing and frustrating experience.
Many parents ask, “How long does installing a child car seat take?” The truth is, it depends. There are many different types of car seats, and each one comes with its own set of installation instructions.
This is why reading the child safety seat manual is important before installing your car seat. You’ll have to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions exactly. If you don’t, you may damage your vehicle and possibly break the law.
Frequently Asked Questions Child Seat Law
Q: What’s the law about child seats?
A: All children under the age of eight must use a child safety seat when riding in a car or other vehicle not equipped with an approved child safety seat.
Q: What are the requirements for child safety seats?
A: Child safety seats must be installed properly. They can only be installed by an adult who is properly trained. The child’s safety seat must be used correctly, and the heart must properly restrain the child.
Q: Do all states have child seat laws?
A: Some states require child safety seats while others do not.
Q: What if my state doesn’t require child safety seats?
A: If your state does not require child safety seats, you can follow these guidelines. You may purchase a non-approved child seat if it meets the requirements below.
Top 3 Myths About Child Seat Law
1. You can buy a car without seatbelts.
2. You can buy a car without rear-view mirrors.
3. You can buy a car without airbags.
Conclusion
Michigan child safety seat laws require that children under the age of 8 be placed in the rear-facing position in a vehicle. This applies only when the child is being transported in a motor vehicle. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 must be seated in a booster seat until they reach 4 feet 10 inches in height, and children between the ages of 4 and 7 must be placed in a booster seat until they get 5 feet 6 inches in height. The rules and regulations in Michigan state that children under eiyearsyear be restrained in a car seat when riding in the front seat and children between the ages of 4 anyearsyear be secured in a car seat when riding in the back seat.
