2023 Michigan Car Seat Law: What You Need To Know

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Are you confused about the car seat laws in the state of Michigan? Do you worry about keeping your kids safe on the road?

Well, fear not because we are here to help. In this guide, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about the Michigan car seat law.

As a parent, you know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to try and understand all the different laws and guidelines for keeping kids safe in the car.

That’s why I wanted to create this guide – to give you all the information you need in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

We’ll talk about the specific laws and regulations in Michigan regarding car seat use.

And then, we’ll provide some tips and resources to help you make sure your child is safe and secure on every car ride.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident and prepared to keep your kids safe on the road, no matter where you’re driving in Michigan. So let’s get started!


Michigan Rear-facing Car Seat Law

Michigan rear-facing car seat law allows for children to ride in a rear-facing car seat once they reach 1 year old and 20 pounds.

However, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which is a professional organization of pediatricians, strongly advises parents to keep their babies in a rear-facing car seat up to the age of 2.

To learn more about rear-facing car seat laws in other cities in the US, you can check out the following links: 
Ohio Rear-Facing Car Seat Law 
New York Rear-Facing Car Seat Law 
Texas Rear-Facing Car Seat Law

Michigan Forward-facing Car Seat Law

In Michigan, the law states that a child should be using an appropriate car seat system until they are 4 years old.

According to Michigan forward-facing car seat law, once a child exceeds the age limit for a rear-facing seat, which is generally around 2 years old, the appropriate system becomes a forward-facing seat.

But here’s the thing, rear-facing is the better option for the child’s head, neck, and spine, and can help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

So, if you can, try to keep your child in a rear-facing seat for a longer period of time. It’s the responsible thing to do, and it could save your child’s life.

To learn more about forward-facing car seat laws in other cities in the US, you can check out the following links: 
Georgia Forward-Facing Car Seat Law
Illinois Forward-Facing Car Seat Law
Oregon Forward-Facing Car Seat Law

Child Booster Seat Laws in Michigan

If you live in Michigan and you’ve got a little one who’s between the ages of 4 to 8 years old and less than 4’9″ tall.

According to the Mi child booster seat law, these kiddos are required to be in a “child restraint system” while riding in the car. And by “child restraint system,” they basically mean booster seats.

Just make sure they’re using the 5 point harness to keep them safe and secure. And as always, make sure to check the laws in your state to stay on the right side of the road.

To learn more about Booster car seat laws in other cities in the US, you can check out the following links:  
California Booster Seat Law
Florida Booster Seat Law
Indiana Booster Seat Law

When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Michigan?

According to the Michigan child front seat law, kids younger than 4 years old should ride in a car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle if it has one.

However, if all the kids under 4 already occupied all rear seats, then a child under 4 can ride in the front seat of a car seat. Just make sure the airbag is turned off if the child is in the front seat of the car.

To learn more about front car seat laws in other cities in the US, you can check out the following links:   
Virginia Front Car Seat Law 
Mississippi Front Car Seat Law
New Mexico Front Car Seat Law

Leaving Child in Car Law in Michigan

It’s against the Michigan car seat law (Section 750.135a) to leave a child under the age of 6 unattended in a vehicle.

If you do, it’s considered a felony, and you could face both monetary fines and jail time if something happens to the child while they’re left alone in the car.

Now, there is an exception to this rule, and that’s if the child is left with the supervision of a child who is over the age of 13.

So, if you have an older sibling or another teenager who can watch the younger child while you run an errand or something, that’s probably okay.

Just be aware that the law takes this stuff very seriously, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of children.

To gain a broader perspective on laws regarding leaving children unattended in vehicles, explore the regulations in states such as Tennessee, Delaware, and Massachusetts. Familiarizing yourself with the various statutes across the country will help you better understand the legal implications of this important safety issue.


Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Michigan?

In Michigan, there’s no law that makes it a crime to smoke in a car with a child present.

However, it’s important to note that smoking in a car with a child under the age of 16 is generally considered to be a bad idea, as secondhand smoke can be harmful to children’s health.

So, while it may not be illegal to smoke in a car with a child in Michigan, it’s definitely something that you should think twice about doing.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and take steps to protect the health and well-being of those around you, especially young children.


Taxi Car Seat Law in Michigan

Part 3 of Section 257.710d of the Michigan Vehicle Code states that Taxis are exempt to these car seat laws.

This means that if you’re a taxi driver in Michigan, you are not required to have a child safety seat or booster seat for your young passengers.

It’s worth noting that this exemption only applies to taxis and does not extend to other types of for-hire vehicles, such as ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft. These types of vehicles must still follow the car seat laws for the state of Michigan.

To learn more about booster seat laws in other US states, you can check out Mississippi and New Mexico Taxi car seat laws.

Michigan Law Car Seat – Replacement After Accident

Michigan car seat law doesn’t really have any specific guidance on car seat replacement after an accident. But the general rule of thumb is that you should always replace your car seat if you’ve been in a major accident.

The reason for this is that even if you can’t see any visible damage, the plastic body of the car seat could still have invisible cracks in it.

And these cracks can make the seat unsafe to use in the future.

So, if you’ve been in a car accident, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just go ahead and replace your car seat. It’s not worth taking any chances with your safety or the safety of your loved ones.


Michigan Child Seat Belt Law

Under the Michigan child seat belt law, it is required that all front seat occupants of a motor vehicle wear a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.

Failure to follow this rule can result in the penalty of $25. This law applies to all vehicles, including RVs, and the same rules regarding car seat usage for children also apply to RVs.

It is important to follow these laws to ensure the safety of all passengers in the vehicle.


Michigan Car Seat Expiration Laws

According to the Michigan car seat expiration laws, there is no specific legislation that addresses the use of expired child restraint systems in motor vehicles.

It is generally recommended, however, that child safety seats and booster seats be replaced after a certain period of time, as their materials and components can degrade over time and potentially compromise the safety of a child in the event of a crash.

The expiration date of a car seat can usually be found on a sticker or label on the seat itself, and it is important to check this date regularly to ensure that the seat is still in good condition and safe to use.

While there is no specific law in Michigan that prohibits the use of expired car seats, it is always a good idea to use the most up-to-date and reliable safety equipment available for the safety of your children.


Are there motor vehicles for which the Michigan car seat laws do not apply?

Yes, there are certain types of motor vehicles in the state of Michigan for which the car seat laws do not apply.

These vehicles include school buses, buses, mopeds, taxicabs, motorcycles, and any other motor vehicle that have exemptions to be equipped with safety belts under federal law or regulations.

For children under the age of 4, these laws do not apply, and for children 4 years of age and older but under 16, these laws do not apply to vehicles made before 1965.

It’s important to note that these exemptions may vary by state, so it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific car seat laws in your area.

It’s also worth mentioning that using a car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt is always the best way to ensure the safety of children while riding in a motor vehicle, regardless of the type of vehicle.


Are there other exceptions to the Michigan car seat laws?

Yes, there are exceptions to the Michigan car seat laws (MCL 257.710e(1)(e), 257.710d(6)) for child passengers in Michigan for physical and/or medical reasons.

That means if a child has a physical or medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible for them to use a car seat or booster seat, then they may be exempt from these laws.

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not automatic and must be approved by a licensed physician.

The physician must provide written documentation stating the specific physical or medical condition that prevents the use of a car seat or booster seat, and this documentation must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

It’s always a good idea to follow the car seat laws and use appropriate restraints for children, but it’s understandable that there may be circumstances where an exception is necessary.

It’s important to work with a licensed physician and follow the proper procedures to ensure the safety of all passengers in the vehicle.


Resources for More Info on Michigan Car Seat Safety


FAQs

What is the weight and age limit for a booster seat in Michigan?

It is recommended that children in Michigan use a booster seat until they are around 5 years old and weigh 50lbs or more.

If you’ve got a kid who’s over the age of two, you want to keep them in a convertible car seat that has a five-point harness. This is the safest way for them to ride in the car, at least until they’re big enough to fit safely in a booster seat.

When can a child switch to a booster seat in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, if you’ve got a kid who’s between the ages of 4 and 8 and is less than 4’9” tall, they’re required by law to use a booster seat while riding in a car.

Can my 10 year old sit in the front seat in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can put your child in the front seat if he is 4 years old or more. However, you must use a car seat for your children if they are between 4 to 8 years old and having height of 4 feet 9 inches.

This means that if your 10 year old is over 4 feet 9 inches tall, they may sit in the front seat.

When can babies face forward in 2022 in Michigan?

Michigan law recommends that you keep your baby rear-facing until they are at least 2 years old, even though the law allows for them to face forward at 1 year old and 20 pounds.

What is the height and weight for a booster seat in Michigan?

In Michigan, it is mandated that children must be securely fastened in a car seat or booster seat until they are either 8 years of age or a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

It is essential that these young passengers continue to utilize a car seat or booster seat until they meet either the age or height requirement, whichever occurs first.


The Bottom Line

In conclusion, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be familiar with the car seat laws in Michigan to ensure the safety of children while traveling in a vehicle.

By following the guidelines outlined in this guide on “Michigan car seat law”, parents can be confident that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their children on the road.

Looking ahead to the future, it is important for parents to stay informed about any updates or changes to car seat laws in Michigan, as well as to continue following best practices for child safety in the car.

It’s also worth considering the wider impact of car seat laws on child safety – what more can be done to keep kids safe on the road, both in Michigan and beyond?

By staying vigilant and proactive in promoting child safety, we can work towards a future where all children have the opportunity to arrive at their destination safely and securely.

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AUTHOR

Hi, my name is Umair Ali and I am the founder and chief editor of CarSeatHeaven.com. My goal is to make car seat shopping simple and easy for parents. With so many fluffy, detailed, and complicated car seat reviews out there, it can be hard to make an informed decision. That's where I come in! I sort through all of the information for you and distill it down into simple, straightforward advice.

At CarSeatHeaven.com, we provide parents with all the information they need to make an informed decision when purchasing a car seat.