New Child Passenger Safety Laws April 2025
Marie Snodgrass
Injury Prevention Program Lead | C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital | Pediatric Trauma Program
Injury Prevention/Healthcare Representative National Child Passenger Safety Board
Safe Kids Huron Valley Program Coordinator
On April 2nd, Michigan’s new Child Passenger Safety Laws will go into effect. Countless child passenger safety advocates from across the state worked closely with bill sponsor, State Representative Carrie Rheingans and her team, (serving parts of Jackson and Washtenaw Counties) to create House Bills 4511 & 4512. These bills better align with American Academy of Pediatrics child passenger safety recommendations.
HB4511 includes-
- keeping children riding rear-facing until at they are least 2 years old, or they have reached the maximum weight or height limit of the rear-facing child restraint, set by the manufacturer
- keeping children in five-point harnessed car seats until they are at least 5 years old, or they have reached the maximum weight or height limit of the rear-facing child restraint, set by the manufacturer
- keeping children in booster seats, with the vehicle lap-shoulder seat belt, until they are at least 8 years or 4’9” tall
- children who are at least eight years old or at least 4’9” tall, but are under 13 years old, must be restrained with a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt in a rear seat, if the vehicle has a rear seat and not all the rear seats are occupied by children
- Michigan is also what is commonly referred to as a Proper Use state and there is a statement that reads that a child must be secured in a restraint system that is appropriate for the child’s weight and height and configured according to the restraint system manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and standards.
HB4512 amends the previously written code that allows a judge to waive a civil fine or citation for not having a proper child restraint, if the caregiver was able to show proof of acquiring car seat before appearing for the citation. The new law is written so that the caregiver will also have to provide evidence that they received education from a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
These are significant changes to Michigan’s laws that members of Michigan’s Child Passenger Safety community have been advocating for, over many years. The persistence of these advocates paid off as they testified year after year in front of numerous State Legislators for these changes. All involved are excited to have Michigan laws align with what is known to be best practice and the safest way for children to ride on Michigan roads.
View the infographic flyer by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.
