Minnesota’s new child passenger safety law requires a child who is both under age 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches to be fastened in a child safety seat or booster. Under this law, a child cannot use a seat belt alone until they are age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall — whichever comes first. It is recommended to keep a child in a booster based on their height, rather than their age.
Booster Seat Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the law regarding booster seats?
A: Under MN Statute 169.685, subdivision 5; any child who is both under the age of 8 and under 4 feet 9 inches tall must be fastened in a child safety seat or booster seat.
Q. What are booster seats and how are they used?
A: Booster seats lift a child up allowing the lap belt to fit low and snug across the hips and the shoulder belt to fit snug across the middle of the chest to provide the necessary protection in a crash.
Q. What are the consequences of not using a booster?
A: The fine is $50 however, with local fees and surcharges the fees could total $100–$130. More importantly, a child that should be in a booster that is seated in a seat belt alone can suffer death or serious injury in the event of a crash. Injuries associated with poor seat belt fit include ejection, internal decapitation and serious abdominal damage.
Q. Who should use booster seats?
A: Any child who is over the age of 4 and over 40 pounds who has outgrown a forward facing safety seat. A child should use a booster until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Q. Should I use a high back or low back booster?
A: Boosters without a back may only be used in vehicles with a head rest. High back boosters are effective as they offer a slot for you to thread the seat belt to properly position the seat belt across the child’s chest.
Q. What if my child is 9 years old, but only 4 feet 6 inches tall (or shorter)? Under the law he/she would be able to be seated with just a seat belt.
A: By Minnesota state law, they would not be required to be in a booster seat, however, the best safety practice would be to keep them in a booster until they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall.