Minnesota Residents Asked to Prepare for New Child Car Seat Law That Starts Thursday

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- A new law regarding car seats for children takes effect on Thursday in Minnesota. 

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It applies to anyone transporting juvenile passengers ranging in age from infancy to 17 years old. 

A news release issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety says the new law provides more guidance for drivers who are striving to keep their young passengers safe. 

The law classifies requirements for child seating in vehicles by age as well as the passenger’s height and weight. Previously, state statute required drivers to only follow a car seat manufacturer’s instructions regarding height and weight. 

The new guidance lists appropriate seating positions for passengers in a certain age range. 

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

New Minnesota Child Passenger Safety Law Takes Effect August 1

Starting August 1, Minnesota’s Child Passenger safety law will include the following seating requirements: 

Birth to at least 2 years old:

• Rear-facing in an infant or convertible child safety seat.

At least 2 years old AND has outgrown the rear-facing seat with internal harness by height or weight:

• Forward-facing with an internal harness.

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

• Ride restrained in a belt-positioning booster seat 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 demonstrates how the seat belt fits correctly:

• Ride restrained with a lap belt and shoulder belt secured correctly on the vehicle seat.

Starting Thursday all vehicle passengers under the age of 13 will be required to sit in the back seat of a vehicle if possible. The state's seatbelt law also applies to anyone riding in a vehicle regardless of age. 

 “We all want our children to be as safe as possible while we're driving, and that means making sure they are in the proper child restraint," said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Director Mike Hanson. “The new law lays out best practices and will help parents make the best decision to protect their child."

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