Important New Law Minnesota Parents Need to Know To Keep Kids Safe

Parents with young children may need to adjust how they drive after the Minnesota Legislature updated a major driving law. The new law took effect on August 1st.

Minnesota's Safety Council, The Office of Traffic Safety, and The Minnesota State Patrol are working to spread the word about these updated rules that align with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. See the new guidelines below.

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Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol mentioned that car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death among children, and using the right car seat can help protect them.

Before the changes, the law required car seats to be used based on the manufacturer's instructions for height and weight.

Now, in addition to size, the law sets age guidelines for rear- and forward-facing seats, booster seats, and seat belts, though size limits from the car seat manufacturer still apply. The age requirement for booster seats has also been raised from 8 to 9 years old.

Important New Car Seat Rule Minnesota Parents Now Need to Know

Here are the new guidelines:

• Newborn to at least 2 years old: Must ride rear-facing in an infant or convertible car seat.
• At least 2 years old and has outgrown the rear-facing seat by height or weight: Can switch to a forward-facing seat with a harness.
• Four years old and has outgrown the forward-facing seat: Should use a booster seat with the car's lap and shoulder belts.
• Nine years old or has outgrown the booster seat and passes the five-step seat belt test: Can ride with a regular seat belt.
• Additionally, children under 13 should sit in the back seat if possible.

Christianson said, if a child fits into more than one category, they should be placed in the safer option. For example, a 2.5-year-old weighing 35 pounds must remain in a rear-facing seat if their seat has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds, even though they're over 2 years old.

For help with car seat installation or more information, visit buckleupkids.dps.mn.gov.