New Car Seat Laws in Michigan—Wait, My Kid Can’t Sit Up Front Anymore?

Heads up, Michigan parents, the state's car seat laws are about to change, and if you're not aware of the changes, you could be putting your child at risk or even facing a ticket.

When you have kids, it sometimes feels like a guessing game when it comes to where and how your kids should be strapped in the car, especially when it feels like the laws are constantly changing.

Well, starting April 2, Michigan has some new laws going into effect that could impact how long your child stays in a car seat and where they can sit in the car.

Your child could be in the front seat already, but after this new law goes into effect, they may find themselves in the backseat again. Nothing will set your pre-teen off like having to move to the dreaded backseat. We'll get to that in a second. First, let's talk car seats, because those are changing too.

Alright, here’s the rundown:

Rear-Facing Seats: Your kid needs to stay in a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 2 years old or until they hit the height or weight limits set by the car seat manufacturer.

Forward-Facing Seats: Once your little one outgrows the rear-facing seat, they can move to a forward-facing seat with a harness. They need to stay in this setup until they hit the max weight or height, or until they’re 5.

Booster Seats: After the forward-facing seat, it’s time for a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. This stays in play until they’re 8 years old or 4’9” tall.

Seating Position: And don’t forget, kids under 13 have to ride in the back seat. Have fun telling your 12-year-old that.