Child Safety Seats

View Videos  at www.safercar.gov on correctly choosing and installing children's car seats by clicking here.

Printable Seat Brochures:


Michigan Law Requirements

Children younger than age 4 are to ride in a car seat in the back seat if the vehicle has a back seat. If all back seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off. Children younger than age 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches to be properly buckled in a child safety seat or booster seat.

Keeping your baby, toddler, and child safe

Babies must face backwards until they're 1 year old and 20 lbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby is properly buckled in a rear-facing car seat?
  • A rear-facing car seat must be buckled into the vehicle seat tightly. The seat should not move more than one inch form side to side or front to back
  • The seat should recline so the child's head lies back on the car seat without falling forward.
  • Harness straps should be snug with no slack.
  • The harness clip should be at armpit level.

Always read the instructions that come with the car seat.

Children must be at least 1 year old and 20 lbs. to ride in a forward facing car seat.
How do I know if my toddler is properly buckled in a forward-facing car seat?
  • The car seat must be buckled into the vehicle seat tightly, including the top tether strap (on the top rear portion of the safety seat, it gets affixed to a anchor bar located in most cars, check your vehicle manual). The seat should not move more than one inch from side to side or front to back.
  • Harness straps should be snug with no slack.
  • The harness clip should be at armpit level.

Always read the instructions that come with the car seat.

Children must use a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 ft 9 inches tall.
Which booster seat should I use?
  • A no-back booster is recommended for vehicle seats with a head rest.
  • A high-back booster is recommended for vehicle seats without a head rest.
How should I install the booster seat?
Booster seats must be used with both a lap and shoulder belt, NEVER with a lap belt only.

Always read the instructions that come with the car seat.

To learn more visit www.nhtsa.gov

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