Car Seat Requirements in Minnesota

In its bid to reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle accidents, the state of Minnesota promotes the use of child restraints. The law in Minnesota requires children under 8 years of age and under 4 feet 9 inches tall be restrained in a proper car seat that meets federal child safety criteria.

  1. Child Passenger Safety

    • All child car seats must be installed according to the instructions of the manufacturer. The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety recommends parents and caregivers thoroughly read the restraint's instructions and the vehicle's owner's manual so the car seat is used properly. Every child safety restraint has specific height and weight requirements that must be followed.

    Rear-Facing Car Seat

    • Infants under age 1 and who weigh less than 20 pounds must be restrained in an infant-only car seat or a convertible, rear-facing car seat. Children over age 1 year can remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 30 to 35 lbs. Rear-facing child car seats must be at a 30- to 45-degree angle reclined position. The harness must fit tightly and be level with or below the child's shoulders. It's never acceptable to put a rear-facing child safety seat in front of an airbag, as sudden deployment could injure the infant.

    Harness Forward-Facing Car Seat

    • Children between the ages of 1 and 4 must be in a forward-facing car seat that includes a five-point harness. The seat must be in the upright position and the harness straps installed according to the child's height. The harness must be level or above the child's shoulders and fit snugly.

    Booster Seat

    • Booster seats are required for children who have outgrown harness car seats, but are under 8 years old and haven't reached the height of 4 feet 9 inches. The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety recommends keeping a child in a booster car seat according to their height, not their age. Booster car seats ensure the lap and shoulder seat belts are positioned correctly. Booster seats without a back may be used only in motor vehicles with headrests. Tethered harnesses are required for vehicles lacking shoulder seat belts.

    Adult Seat Belts

    • Minnesota requires all drivers and passengers over 8 years of age and taller than 4 feet 9 inches be properly restrained by seat belts at all times. Drivers or passengers who don't follow Minnesota's seat belt law may receive tickets.

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