🚘 Michigan’s New Car Seat Law Takes Effect April 2, 2025
Keeping your child safe on the road starts with the right car seat. Michigan has updated its Child Passenger Safety Law, effective April 2, 2025, with new rules designed to better protect our youngest passengers.
Here’s what Livingston County families need to know:
🍼 Rear-Facing Car Seats (Ages 0–2)
Children under 2 years old must be in a rear-facing car seat. This position offers the best protection for your baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
👶 Forward-Facing Car Seats (Ages 2–5)
Children between the ages of 2 and 5 should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Make sure the harness straps fit snugly over your child’s shoulders and hips.
🧒 Booster Seats (Under Age 8 or Shorter than 4’9″)
Once your child outgrows their forward-facing seat, it’s time for a booster seat. Michigan law requires booster seats for children under age 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches.
🚙 Back Seat Requirement (Under Age 13)
Children under 13 years old must ride in the back seat of a vehicle if one is available. The back seat is the safest place for children in case of an accident.
🛡️ Why It Matters
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children under 13. Using the right car seat or booster can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 50%.
📥 Download the Official Flyer
Want a quick reference? Download the official flyer from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning:
👉 Child Passenger Safety Law Updates Flyer (PDF)
Need printed copies? Email TrafficSafety@michigan.gov to request free flyers for your school, office, or organization.
📚 Need Help Choosing or Installing a Car Seat?
Visit the NHTSA Car Seat Finder Tool to choose the right seat for your child’s age and size. For local support, contact Livingston County Health Department or find a certified car seat technician for a free installation check.
Quick Tips:
- Properly position the harness on the child.
- Rear-facing—At or below the child’s shoulders.
- Forward-facing—At or above the child’s shoulders.
- Harness straps should lie flat, not twisted.
- The harness should be snug, without slack. It is snug enough when extra material cannot be pinched at the shoulders and hips.
- Make sure the chest clip is at armpit level.
- Lock your seat belt (see owner’s manual) or use your vehicle’s LATCH system.
- Apply pressure to the car seat and tighten the seat belt or lower anchor strap. The seat should not move side-to-side or front-to-back more than 1 inch at the belt path.
- The top tether strap should be used with a forward-facing seat (see owner’s manual). Connect it to the tether anchor and tighten.
👨👩👧 Together, We Can Keep #LivCoLittles Safe
Great Start Livingston is here to support families with young children. Be sure to follow us for more parenting tips, safety resources, and community events that build a brighter start for Livingston County’s littlest residents.
