Changes to Michigan's car seat laws

MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Parents and caregivers looking to hit the road for the 4^th of July holiday should be aware of a few changes to Michigan's car seat laws.

The new requirements include a rear seating requirement and eliminate a previous car seat exemption for babies being nursed.

Under the newly revised law, children younger than four must ride in a car seat in the rear of the vehicle, if that vehicle has a back seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under four, then a child under four may ride in the front seat if properly restrained in a car seat. If the child is in a rear-facing car seat, they may be placed in the front seat only if the front passenger air bag is turned off and all rear seats are occupied by children under four.

The legislation now also prohibits removing a child from a car seat to nurse while the vehicle is in motion. Babies should only be nursed once the vehicle has been stopped in a safe place. With this change, Michigan is now eligible for additional federal traffic safety funds.

In 2008 car seat legislation was expanded to require children to ride in a car seat or booster seat until they reach eight years old or 4' 9".

More information about the changes to Michigan's child passenger safety laws are available at www.michigan.gov/ohsp or www.michigansafekids.org.