The four stages
A child moves to the next stage only after meeting the condition for the current one: reaching the age listed, or outgrowing the seat’s height or weight limit set by its manufacturer.
| Stage | Seat | Stay in it until |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rear-facing car seat | Age 2, or the seat’s rear-facing height or weight limit |
| 2 | Forward-facing seat with a harness | Age 5, or the seat’s harness height or weight limit |
| 3 | Belt-positioning booster with a lap and shoulder belt | Age 8, or 4 feet 9 inches tall |
| 4 | Adult seat belt, properly adjusted | Required from then on; a child may keep using a booster within its limits |
The law adds a recommendation that parents keep a child in a car seat or booster for as long as the child fits within its limits, even after the minimum age.
Back seat until 13
- A child under 13 must ride in a rear seat if the vehicle has one.
- The front seat is allowed only when every available rear seat is already taken by children.
- A rear-facing seat may be placed in front only if the front passenger airbag is turned off.
From 13 through 15, a child must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt in any seat. See the Michigan seat belt law.
Where the law doesn’t apply
The car seat law does not apply on a bus, school bus, taxicab, moped or motorcycle, or in a vehicle that federal rules don’t require to have seat belts. The Secretary of State can also exempt children for whom a seat is impractical because of a medical condition, physical unfitness or body size.
A car driven for Uber or Lyft is an ordinary passenger car, so the law applies. Most rideshare drivers don’t carry car seats; bring your own.
Penalty
Not following the law is a civil infraction against the driver. It adds no points to the driver’s record.
Free car seat checks in Oakland County
Certified child passenger safety technicians will check that a seat is installed correctly and fits your child, free. Safe Kids Oakland County, led by Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital, lists these inspection stations. Call ahead; most work by appointment.
- Rochester Fire Department, 277 E. 2nd St., Rochester
- Bloomfield Township Fire Station, 1155 Exeter, Bloomfield Hills
- Berkley Public Safety Department, 2395 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley, (248) 658-3380
- STAR EMS, 63 Oakland Ave., Pontiac
- Bowman Chevrolet, 6725 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston
- Champion-Hargreaves Chevrolet, 2000 12 Mile Rd., Royal Oak
- Another Way Pregnancy Center, 28552 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, (248) 471-5858
The coalition can be reached at (248) 849-2739. Elsewhere in Michigan, find a technician or inspection event through Safe Kids or the Michigan State Police child passenger safety page.
If a child is hurt in a crash
A child hurt in a Michigan crash is usually covered by the no-fault policy of a parent or relative the child lives with, whatever car the child was riding in, and regardless of fault. That pays medical care and other benefits. A claim against an at-fault driver is separate. See which insurer pays.
Questions about a child’s injuries after a crash? Request a free case review or call. The review is free.
Sources: MCL 257.710d, as amended by 2024 PA 21 (effective April 2, 2025); MCL 257.710e; MCL 500.3114. Text checked on the Michigan Legislature website, November 7, 2026. Michigan State Police, Child Passenger Safety; Safe Kids Oakland County inspection station list (events.safekids.org), both checked November 7, 2026.
Questions people ask us
How long does a child need a booster seat in Michigan?
Until the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall or 8 years old, whichever comes first, after outgrowing a forward-facing harness seat. The law recommends keeping a child in a car seat or booster as long as the child fits within its weight and height limits.
When can a child sit in the front seat in Michigan?
Children under 13 must ride in a rear seat if the vehicle has one. The front seat is allowed only when every available rear seat is already taken by children. A rear-facing seat may go in front only if the passenger airbag is turned off.
When can my child face forward in Michigan?
After age 2, or earlier only if the child has outgrown the rear-facing seat’s height or weight limit set by the manufacturer.
Do Michigan car seat laws apply in taxis, buses and rideshares?
The law does not apply to buses, school buses, taxicabs, mopeds, motorcycles or vehicles not required to have seat belts. It does apply in an ordinary passenger car used for Uber or Lyft, so bring a seat.
What is the penalty?
A violation is a civil infraction. No points are added to the driver’s record.
