Ask a Cop: A Guide to Minnesota's New Child Seat Laws

Ask: I've heard about new laws on child seats and the need for children to be seat belted. Can you please explain this in more detail?

Answer: Here is some information we shared on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety blog.

Figuring out the best way to keep your children safe in the car can be difficult. Minnesota lawmakers have updated the Child Car Safety Act, offering new guidelines on child seats, booster seats and seat belts, as well as increased safety measures to protect children. The law went into effect on August 1 and may change the way children ride in your car.

Accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death among children. Proper use of child safety seats helps protect our youngest passengers and minimize injuries. That's why our Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Minnesota Safety Council are working to make sure you're prepared for the new rules that follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' child safety seat recommendations.

“We all want our children to be as safe as possible when riding in a car. That means making sure they are in the right child restraints,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “The new law sets out best practices and will help parents make the best decision to protect their child.”

Before the changes, the law required that child seats be used according to the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations. Now, instead of relying solely on the child's height, the law sets age recommendations for rear-facing and forward-facing child seats, booster seats and seat belts (depending on weight and height, depending on the child seat manufacturer). In addition, the minimum age limit for booster seats has been increased from 8 to 9 years.

The age guidelines include:

• Birth to at least 2 years: Rear-facing in an infant or convertible car seat.
• At least 2 years old AND has become too big for the rear-facing child seat with integrated belt system due to his/her height or weight: Forward facing with internal strap.
• 4 years old AND has become too big for the forward-facing child seat with integrated belt system due to his or her height or weight: Travel safely in a booster seat with belt guides using the lap belt and shoulder belt.
• 9 years old or has outgrown the booster seat AND the child can pass the five-step test that shows how the seat belt fits correctly: Always wear a seat belt that is properly secured to the vehicle seat and a lap belt.
• In addition, children under 13 years of age must sit in the back seat if possible.

If a child falls into more than one category, he or she must be placed in the restraint that is safer for him or her. For example, a child who is 2.5 years old and weighs 35 pounds but has a car seat with a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds must remain rear-facing even if he or she is older than 2 years. It is very important that parents and caregivers always read the owner's manuals for their car seat and vehicle to ensure proper installation.

If you need help installing a car seat or need more information, visit buckleupkids.dps.mn.gov.