What Are the Car Seat Laws in Michigan?

If you're a parent or take care of children in Michigan, it's important to know the rules about car seats. These laws are there to keep kids safe when they're in cars. Let's look at what Michigan says about car seats and how a car accident lawyer in Sterling Heights, Michigan can help if something goes wrong.

Michigan's Child Passenger Safety Law

Michigan has a specific law about car seats calledSection 257.710d of the Michigan Vehicle Code. This law tells us how to keep kids safe in cars. It's sometimes called the Child Passenger Safety Law. Let's break it down.

For the Littlest Passengers

If you're driving with a child under 4 years old, the law says they must be in a car seat. This seat needs to meet the rules set by the federal government. These rules are called theFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

The law is very clear about this. It says, "Each driver transporting a child less than 4 years of age in a motor vehicle shall properly secure that child in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in 49 CFR 571.213." This means the car seat you use has to be approved by the government to make sure it's safe enough for your child.

Where Should the Car Seat Go?

The law says the car seat should be in the back seat if your car has one. But what if all the back seats are taken by other kids under 4? Then, you can put a child under 4 in a car seat in the front. Just remember, if the seat is facing backward, you need to turn off the front airbag.

This part of the law is extremely important because the back seat is usually the safest place for kids to ride. However, the law understands that sometimes you might have more than one young child, so it gives you a way to still follow the rules.

As Kids Get Bigger

Michigan's law doesn't stop at age 4. It says kids need to use the right kind of seat until they're either 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. This means older kids might need to use abooster seat to help the car's seat belt fit them better.

The law doesn't specifically mention booster seats, but it does say that children need to be in an "appropriate child restraint system" until they meet the age or height requirement. For most kids between 4 and 8 years old, this means using a booster seat.

Why Are These Laws So Important?

Car seats and booster seats aren't just about following rules. They can save lives. Regular seat belts are made for adults and don't fit kids right. That's why special seats are needed to protect smaller bodies.

These laws are based on what scientists and doctors have learned about keeping kids safe in cars. Following these rules can save lives if there's an accident. When a crash happens, the right car seat can keep a child from being thrown around or out of the car.

How Do You Choose the Right Car Seat?

Picking the right car seat can feel confusing. There are so many types to choose from. The most important thing is to get a seat that fits your child's age, weight, and height.

For babies and small toddlers, you'll need a rear-facing seat. These seats give the best protection for a baby's head, neck, and spine in a crash. Many experts say to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, even if the law doesn't require it.

As your child grows, they'll move to a forward-facing seat. These seats have a harness that helps spread out the force of a crash over the strongest parts of a child's body. The law doesn't say exactly when to switch, but many safety experts suggest waiting until your child outgrows the height or weight limit for their rear-facing seat.

Older kids use booster seats to help the car's seat belt fit them better. A booster seat lifts a child up so that the seat belt fits across their chest and hips instead of their neck and stomach. This is really important because a seat belt that doesn't fit right can actually hurt a child in a crash.

Remember, the best car seat is one that fits your child correctly and that you can install properly every time. If you're not sure how to install your car seat, many police stations and fire departments offer free checks to make sure it's in right.

Are There Exceptions to the Car Seat Laws in Michigan?

Section 257.710d mentions some exceptions. The law doesn't apply to all vehicles. This section does not apply if the motor vehicle being driven is a bus, school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law or regulations.

This means that if you're riding in a taxi or on a school bus, you don't have to use a car seat. But even if the law doesn't require it, it's always safer to use the right car seat when you can. If you're taking a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, it's best to bring your own car seat if possible.

What If Your Child Has Special Needs?

Some kids might need special car seats because of medical problems. The law thinks about this, too. If your child can't use a regular car seat, you can get a note from a doctor explaining what kind of seat they need.

Section 257.710d allows for these exceptions. It says, "The secretary of state may exempt by rules promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969... a class of children from the requirements of this section, if the secretary of state determines that the use of the child restraint system required under subsection (1) is impractical because of physical unfitness, a medical problem, or body size."

This means that if your child has a special need that makes it hard or impossible to use a regular car seat, you can get permission to use something different. A Michigan car accident lawyer might be able to help you figure out how to get this permission if you need it.

There are car seats made for children with special needs, but they can be expensive. If you need help finding or affording a special car seat, a Michigan car accident lawyer might be able to connect you with resources.

Do Grandparents in Michigan Need to Follow These Laws Too?

Yes, anyone driving with a child in their car needs to follow Michigan's car seat laws. This includes grandparents, babysitters, and anyone else who might be taking care of a child. It's a good idea for families to have an extra car seat or booster seat for when other people are driving their kids around.

If you're a grandparent or caregiver who doesn't drive kids often, you might not be up to date on the latest car seat rules. Don't worry - you can always ask for help. Many communities offer classes or demonstrations on how to use car seats correctly.

What About Trucks and SUVs?

The car seat laws in Michigan apply to all types of passenger vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. However, these vehicles can sometimes make it tricky to install car seats correctly. In pickup trucks, for example, there might not be a back seat, which is where young children should ideally ride.

If you have a vehicle that makes it hard to follow the car seat laws, it's important to find the safest option possible. You might need to get creative with seating arrangements or consider using a different vehicle when traveling with children. If you're not sure what to do, you can ask for help from a car seat safety technician or a Michigan car accident lawyer who knows about these laws.

What If You're Visiting Michigan from Another State?

If you're visiting Michigan from another state or country, you still need to follow Michigan's car seat laws while you're here. This is true even if the laws are different where you're from. It's a good idea to look up the laws before you travel so you can be prepared.

If you're renting a car in Michigan, many rental companies offer car seats as an add-on. Just make sure the seat they give you is the right size for your child and that you know how to install it correctly.

How Can a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Help?

You might be wondering why we keep mentioning Michigan car accident lawyers. Well, they can be a big help if you're dealing with car seat issues, especially after an accident. Here are some ways a lawyer can help:

Understanding the Law

Car seat laws can be confusing, and they change sometimes. A Michigan car accident lawyer stays up to date on these laws and can explain them in a way that's easy to understand. They can help you know if you're following the rules correctly.

After an Accident

If you're in a car accident and your child is hurt, a lawyer can help you figure out what to do next. They can talk to insurance companies for you and make sure your child gets the medical care they need. They can also help you get money to pay for things like medical bills or a new car seat.

Fighting a Ticket

If you get a ticket for not using the right car seat, a lawyer might be able to help you fight it. Sometimes, there are special circumstances that the police didn't know about when they gave you the ticket. A lawyer can explain your side of the story to the court.

Finding Resources

Michigan car accident lawyers often know about local programs that can help families get car seats or learn how to use them correctly. If you need help affording a car seat or want to learn more about car seat safety, a lawyer might be able to point you in the right direction.

Dealing with Special Situations

If your child has special needs or if you have an unusual vehicle that makes it hard to follow the car seat laws, a lawyer can help you figure out what to do. They might be able to work with the state to find a safe solution that follows the law.

What Should You Do If You See Someone Not Using a Car Seat?

It can be upsetting to see a child in a car without the right kind of seat. You might want to say something, but it's important to be careful about how you do it. Remember, you don't know the whole story - maybe it's an emergency situation.

If you're worried, you could try talking to the driver in a friendly way if it's safe to do so. You could share information about car seat safety or where to get help if they can't afford a seat. But be careful not to start an argument or put yourself in danger.

In some cases, if you see a child in serious danger, you might need to call the police. But this should only be for extremely serious situations, not just because you disagree with how someone is using a car seat.

Reach Out to a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer if You Have Questions

In the end, the most important thing is the safety of our children. Car seat laws, like Section 257.710d, are there to protect the most vulnerable passengers on our roads. By understanding and following these laws, we can all work together to make car travel safer for kids in Michigan.

If you have questions about car seat laws or if you've been in an accident where a child was involved, don't hesitate to reach out to a Michigan car accident lawyer. A personal injury lawyer in Sterling Heights can help you understand your rights and make sure you're doing everything you can to keep your child safe on the road.