New Laws Seek to Protect Michigan Children Involved in Car Accidents

The Sinas Dramis Law Firm is well aware of the life-changing dangers that car accidents pose to children. Unfortunately, we’ve witnessed one too many times the increased severity of an injury due to a child being improperly secured in a car seat or booster seat. That’s why we applaud Michigan’s new child passenger safety laws taking effect in our state on April 2, 2025. These laws are an important step in improving safety standards and reducing the risk of injury and death of Michigan children involved in car accidents.

What Are the Key Changes that Aim to Protect Michigan Children Involved in Car Accidents?

Extended Rear-Facing Car Seat Requirement 

One of the most significant updates is extending the rear-facing car seat requirement until the age of 2 or the child exceeds the maximum height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer. Research shows that rear-facing seats provide better protection for young children, especially in the event of a car accident.

What does this mean for you? If your child is approaching their second birthday, make sure they are still riding in a rear-facing car seat that meets the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s also important to check the car seat’s expiration date and replace it if necessary.

Forward-Facing Car Seat Until Age 5

Beginning at the age of 2, a child should transition to a forward-facing seat. They should remain forward facing until they are 5 years old or reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

What does this mean for you? If a child is under the age of 4, the car seat must be in the rear seat of the vehicle, if the vehicle has a rear seat. If the car seat is placed in the front seat of the vehicle, the airbag must be turned off.

Booster Seat Requirement Until Age 8

After the age of 5, a child must ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they are 8 years old (up from the previous law, which required booster seats only until age 4 or 5) or 4 feet 9 inches tall. This new law aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests that children should remain in a booster seat until they are big enough to properly fit in a lap and shoulder seat belt.

What does this mean for you? If your child is between the ages of 5 and 8, make sure they are using a belt-positioning booster seat. Children should stay in a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, which typically occurs when the child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Proper Use of Seat Belts for Older Children

While the previous law already required children to use seat belts once they outgrow their booster seat, the new law clarifies the proper use of seat belts. For children who are tall enough to use a regular seat belt, the law emphasizes that the lap belt should fit across the child’s hips and not their stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the neck. Plus, any child under the age of 13, regardless of size, is required to sit in the back seat of a vehicle, if a back seat is present.

What does this mean for you? For children who are ready to use a seat belt without a booster seat, make sure they are sitting with the belt positioned correctly. If the seat belt doesn’t fit properly, your child may still need a booster seat.

Stricter Penalties for Non-Compliance

The new law includes stricter penalties for non-compliance, including fines and points on your driving record. This aims to ensure that all drivers prioritize the safety of young passengers and take every precaution to protect them to the fullest extent should they be involved in a car accident.

What does this mean for you? Officers may check that a car/booster seat is properly installed, the child is safely secured, and the car/booster seat is designed for the child’s height, weight, and age.

Why Are These Changes Important to Protect Michigan Children Involved in Car Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for children under the age of 13 in the United States. However, studies have shown the proper use of child safety seats can reduce the risk of injury and death in an accident by as much as 70%. By extending the age requirements for rear-facing car seats and booster seats, Michigan’s new laws aim to further protect children in the event of a car accident.

What Should You Do?

To ensure you are protecting your child and in compliance with Michigan’s new child passenger safety laws:

• Buy New: Avoid using a second-hand car seat or booster seat. Buying new is the only way you will know the seat’s expiration date and history, such as if it’s been in an accident. If an accident occurs while your child’s car or booster seat is in a vehicle, get a brand new replacement. It is also recommended that when you first purchase a seat, you register it with the manufacturer to receive recall and safety notices.
• Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always follow the car seat or booster seat manufacturer’s guidelines regarding weight and height limits. Don’t assume your child has outgrown their current seat without checking.
• Make Sure the Seat is Installed Properly: Car seats and booster seats must be installed correctly to provide the best protection in the event of a car accident. Refer to your car seat and vehicle owner’s manuals for proper installation.
• Regularly Review Your Child’s Car Seat Status: As your child grows, it’s important to reassess whether they are still in the right car seat or booster seat for their size.
• Consult with a Child Passenger Safety Technician
  If you have questions about which seat is appropriate for your child’s size or if the seat is installed properly, consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Many local fire stations, police departments, and hospitals offer free car seat checks. Visit the NHSTA website (nhtsa.gov) to find a certified technician near you.

Michigan’s new child passenger safety laws taking effect on April 2, 2025, are an important step forward in ensuring the safety of children involved in car accidents. By extending rear-facing car seat requirements, booster seat requirements, and emphasizing the correct use of seat belts, Michigan is prioritizing the protection of young passengers.

Sinas Dramis Law Firm’s Commitment to Michigan Children Involved in Car Accidents

In the unfortunate event that your child is involved in a car accident, it’s important to know they have rights for recovering no-fault benefits in Michigan and pursuing action against an at-fault driver who caused the accident. The dedicated, compassionate personal injury attorneys at Sinas Dramis Law Firm—Michigan’s advocates for the injured—are here to help your family navigate the legal process, so you can focus on your child’s well-being during an extremely difficult time such as this. Contact us for a free consultation at intake@sinasdramis.com or 866.758.0031.