New Minnesota Child Car Seat Law Goes Into Effect Thursday

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) – A new law regarding child car seats goes into effect in Minnesota on Thursday.

It applies to anyone transporting minor passengers aged 0 to 17.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said the new law provides more guidance for drivers who want to keep their young passengers safe.

The law classifies the requirements for child seats in vehicles by age, height, and weight of the passenger. Previously, state law required drivers to follow only the instructions of the car seat manufacturer regarding height and weight.

The new guidelines specify suitable seating positions for passengers in a certain age group.

Officials say the new law is modeled on recommendations from American Academy of Pediatrics and prevents young passengers from being moved prematurely to a less restrictive seat.

Minnesota’s New Child Passenger Safety Law Goes Into Effect August 1

Effective August 1, Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Act includes the following seating requirements:

From birth to at least 2 years:

• Facing rearwards in an infant or reversible child seat.

At least 2 years old AND has outgrown the rear-facing seat with internal belt in terms of height or weight:

• Forward facing with an internal harness.

4 years old AND has outgrown the forward-facing seat with internal harness due to height or weight:

• Travel in a booster seat with a seat belt, using the lap and shoulder belts.

9 years old or has outgrown the booster seat AND the child can five step test which shows how to fit the seat belt correctly:

• Make sure you transport your child safely, with a lap belt and shoulder belt properly secured to the vehicle seat.

Starting Thursday, all passengers under the age of 13 must sit in the backseat of a vehicle whenever possible. The state’s seat belt law also applies to everyone riding in a vehicle, regardless of age.

“We all want our children to be as safe as possible while driving, and that means making sure they are in the right child safety seat,” said Mike Hanson, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “The new law outlines best practices and helps parents make the best decision to protect their child.”

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