New Child Passenger Safety Laws Go into Effect April 2025

Heads up, parents! Beginning in April 2025, updates to Michigan's child passenger safety laws will enhance protection for all children.

“Vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among young children, but you can significantly decrease your child’s risk of fatality in an accident by ensuring they are securely restrained in the correct car seat, booster seat, or seat belt suited for their age and size,” explains Dr. Shreya Wachob, pediatrician at MyMichigan Health in Mt. Pleasant.

Stay informed about these laws to ensure you are taking the best measures to keep your kids safe on the road.

• Infant to two years: A child must be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer or the child is 2 years old.
• Two to five years: The child can then move into a forward-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer or the child is 5 years old.
• Five to eight years: The child can then move to a belt-positioning booster seat using a lap and shoulder belt until they are 4’ 9” or 8 years old.
• All children under thirteen years: Children under the age of 13 must ride in the rear seat of a vehicle if the vehicle has one available.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in a rear-facing position for as long as the car seat permits, even beyond the age of two,” says Dr. Wachob. “After that, it's advised to keep them in a five-point harness for as long as the car seat allows based on weight and height. These positions are considered the safest for children.”

You can learn more about the updated laws at Michigan.gov/CarSeats.

Shreya Wachob, D.O., specializes in pediatrics and sees patients from newborns to teens at MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant.