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Michigan's child car seat law updated for first time since 2008

Child in a baby car seat
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Child in a baby car seat. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill that updates the state's child car seat law.

State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) is the sponsor. She said Michigan's child seat law was last changed in 2008.

"So this has been a while since we've updated them and there's been a lot more advances in restraint safety, child seat safety, and so it's really important for us as a state to keep up with the best federal and industry standards."

One big change is the new law takes age, height, and weight into account before switching a child among a rear-facing seat, a front-facing seat, and a booster seat.

"Because previously we just listed ages, and you know my child is 7, but is a pretty tall 7 year old, and maybe she'll be able to max out in her seat earlier than other kids would," Rheingans said.

The law also requires child car seats to meet the technical requirements from the manufacturer and federal government.


Copyright 2024 Michigan Public. To see more, visit Michigan Public.

Tracy Samilton covers the auto beat for Michigan Radio. She has worked for the station for 12 years, and started out as an intern before becoming a part-time and, later, a full-time reporter. Tracy's reports on the auto industry can frequently be heard on Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as on Michigan Radio. She considers her coverage of the landmark lawsuit against the University of Michigan for its use of affirmative action a highlight of her reporting career.