Big changes are coming to Michigan’s car seat laws on April 2, 2025, aimed at keeping children safer on the road. If you’re a parent or caregiver, now is the time to get familiar with the new rules to ensure your little ones are protected.

Why Do These Changes Matter?

Car seats are life-saving devices. In passenger cars, child restraints lower the risk of fatality by 71% for infants under 1 year old and 54% for children ages 1-4. Since 1975, child restraints have saved over 11,000 children under the age of 5, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What’s Changing?

Here’s what you need to know about Michigan’s updated car seat requirements:

• Rear-Facing Until Age 2: Children must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old, or until they exceed the height or weight limits of their seat.
• Harnessed Car Seat Until Age 5: Children must use a harnessed car seat until they turn 5 years old, or until they outgrow the height or weight limit of their seat.
• Booster Seat Rules Remain the Same: Kids under 8 years old and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches are still required to use a booster seat.

The Importance of Proper Car Seat Use

The sad truth is that many children are at risk of injury because of improper car seat use. In 2022, 599 children under age 13 died in traffic crashes, and 429 were injured. Shockingly, more than one-third of those who died were unrestrained.

A study found that 46% of car seats and boosters are used incorrectly, reducing their effectiveness. This is why it’s essential to double-check that your child’s car seat is properly installed. Local organizations like Safe Kids offer car seat safety checks to help parents and caregivers ensure their seats are secure.

Car Seats Save Lives

When used correctly, car seats, booster seats, and seat belts dramatically reduce the risk of injury and death. These updated laws are designed to give children the best possible chance of walking away from an accident unharmed. As we get closer to April 2, 2025, take the time to review your child’s car seat setup to ensure you’re following the updated safety guidelines.