Michigan Legislature to Vote on New Child Safety Seat Rules

Legislation up for a vote in the Michigan Senate would update rules for how children should be buckled up.

Michigan requires drivers to secure children under age 4 in back safety seats. Children are buckled in booster seats until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

The legislation Wednesday would bring Michigan’s standards in line with recommendations from the federal government and pediatricians.

Children under age 4 who weigh less than 30 pounds would be in rear-facing seats. Those between 30 and 50 pounds would be in a forward-facing safety seat. Children under 4 feet 9 inches would be in booster seats.

Republican Sen. John Proos of St. Joseph says children aren’t in rear-facing seats long enough.