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New Child Car Seat Laws Take Effect, Bringing Increased Safety and Fines
New child car seat regulations go into effect soon, aiming to enhance the safety of young passengers. Parents and caregivers are urged to familiarize themselves with the changes to avoid potential fines.
Effective April 2nd, stricter rules regarding child car seats will be enforced. Children up to two years old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. If the child is riding in the front seat, the airbag must be deactivated.
Children aged two to five must be placed in a forward-facing car seat. Those between five and eight years old will require a belt-positioning booster seat with both lap and shoulder belts.
While children over eight may not always need a booster, height and weight are crucial factors. If a child exceeds the height and weight limits for their age group’s car seat, they can transition to the next appropriate seat or position. Children taller than 4’9″ before their eighth birthday are exempt from booster seat requirements.
Michigan State Police emphasize that proper car seat usage can reduce the risk of death by up to 50%. Failure to comply with these new regulations will result in a minimum $65 fine, comprising a $25 civil fine, court costs, and a $40 justice system assessment.