Question: Can you go over the laws and restrictions about child seats? I am unclear about when to move some of my kids from baby carriers to front facing car seats and such.

Answer: When buckling up your children, always take into consideration their safety first and foremost. Take the extra time to see they are buckled in properly. Nobody plans on getting in a crash, so always be prepared. You may be a great driver; however there are some out there that are not and those are the ones we also need to look for. Sometimes we never see it coming.

Minnesota State Statute 169.685-Child Passenger Restraint Law:

  • All children under age 8 must ride in a federally approved car seat or booster seat, unless the child is 4'9" or taller.
  • Safety seats must be installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Infants (under 20 pounds and one year of age) must be in a rear-facing safety seat,
  • Law applies to all motor vehicles originally equipped with factory-installed seat belts.
  • Law applies to all seating positions.
  • Driver is responsible.
  • Petty misdemeanor fine for violation is $50 plus the state surcharge and library fee of $85 for a total of $135.
  • Applies to both residents and non-residents of Minnesota.
  • Suspected non-use is a valid basis to stop a motor vehicle.

Rear-facing seat: Newborns to at least 1 year and 20 pounds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing until age 2. Rear-facing seats should be placed in the back seat of a vehicle.

Forward-facing seat: 1 to 4 years old. Children should use a forward facing harnessed seat until they outgrow the weight limit (typically 40-60 pounds, depending on seat).

Booster seat: For children once they have outgrown a forward-facing seat usually after turning 4 years old. Booster seats are required by Minnesota law. Children cannot ride in just a seat belt until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Exceptions:

  • Children riding in emergency medical vehicles, when medical needs make use of a restraint unreasonable.
  • Children riding in a motor vehicle for hire, including a taxi, airport limousine or bus, but excluding a rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicle.
  • Children riding with a peace officer on official duty, when a restraint is not available (a seat belt must be substituted).
  • Children certified by a licensed physician as having a medical, physical or mental disability that makes restraint use inadvisable
  • Passengers in school buses with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Sgt. Neil Dickenson – Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave, Duluth, MN 55811. Or reach me at neil.dickenson@state.mn.us.