Aug 1, 2024 - News

Minnesota's new car seat law: What to know

Nick Halter

A baby gets buckled into a rear facing car seat — Kids will need to be in rear-facing car seats until they're at least 2 whether they like it or not, under a new Minnesota law. Photo: Dayna Smith/The Washington Post

Minnesota's new car seat law that went into effect Thursday requires all children under 2 to travel in a rear-facing seat.

Why it matters: The Department of Public Safety said 89% of kids properly restrained during vehicle crashes in recent years were not injured, and another 10% sustained only minor injuries.

What they did: The new rules are in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics child seat recommendations and supersede manufacturers' instructions on height and weight.

Zoom in: Kids under age 2 will need to be in a rear-facing seat.

Once they're 2 and have outgrown the rear-facing seat, they need to be in a forward-facing seat with an internal harness until they're 4.
After they've turned 4 and outgrown the forward-facing seat with an internal harness, they can ride in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.
Kids need to stay in a booster seat until they're at least 9 and can pass the 5-step seat belt fit test. Then, they can ride without a booster seat but need to buckle in with a lap and shoulder belt.
Previously, kids had to be 8 before they could lose the booster seat.

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Minnesota's new car seat law: What to know

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