Minnesota Car Seat Laws - Updated & Simplified
Table of Contents
Child Car Seat Laws in Minnesota
Car Seat Law in Minnesota (MN Statutes 169.685 and 169.686)
What does the child restraint law in Minnesota say?
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children under 8 years old and less than 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches) in height must be restrained in a child passenger restraint system that meets federal safety standards.
- Seat belts are permitted for school-aged children 8 years old upwards or more than 57 inches in height.
- A fine of $50 applies when this law is violated
by a seat belt in a vehicle Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children under 8 years must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system installed in the back seat.
More on the Law...
A child with a physical disability, medical condition, or impairment that would prevent restraint in a child restraint system is exempted from this law.
However, a typewritten statement from a licensed physician stating that the child cannot ride in a child restraint system must be provided.
The medical statement must also contain the name and date of birth of the child and be valid within the last 6 months. The statement should also contain the physician’s name, address, and phone number.
The Minnesota car seat law does not explicitly state the type of safety seat a child should be restrained in.
By general standards, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should restrain your baby in a rear-facing car seat.
The rear-facing car seat is to be used for as long as possible, say the first 2 years or more (up to 4 years), depending on your child’s height and weight.
This article on types of car seats by age will guide you more on all types of car seats to use at different stages of growth of your child.
Forward-Facing Car Seat Law Minnesota
The Minnesota car seat law does not also mention this type of child restraint system.
However, a forward-facing car seat with a harness is the type of car seat you should use for toddlers and preschoolers (age 4-8 years).
This type of car seat is recommended for children who have outgrown the limit (weight and height) for the rear-facing car seat.
Belt-positioning Booster Seat Law Minnesota
The car seat law in Minnesota mentions a booster seat as a type of child restraint system.
Booster seats are fit for school-aged children (8-12 years old).
When your young child outgrows the height and weight limits for the forward-facing car seat, you should transition your child to a booster seat.
Check with your car seat manual for the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other Laws About Car Seat You Need to Know About in Minnesota
Car Laws for Other Passengers in a Car
All other occupants of the car must make use of a seat safety belt.
Front Passenger Seat Law – When Can a Child Sit in The Front Seat In Minnesota?
Minnesota car set laws do not explicitly mention if a child can sit in the front passenger seat.
Going by general law, children under 13 years must ride in the back seat with a seat belt or in the appropriate child restraint system.
Only adolescents aged 13-16 years old can sit in the front passenger seat and must use the seat safety belt.
A baby in a rear-facing car seat must never ride in the front passenger seat with an activated airbag. When the airbag inflates during a car crash, the pressure that hits the back of your baby’s head can be fatal and can lead to death.
The middle back seat is the best place to always install a car seat. This is because it is farther from the side windows.
Car Seat Laws for Taxis in Minnesota
Vehicles for hire, including taxis, airport limousines, and buses, are exempted from the car seat laws in Minnesota.
As a parent, it is noteworthy that you follow the car seat laws when you board a vehicle. Your child’s safety is your responsibility as they are helpless for now.
Make sure you have the correct type of car seat for your child according to their age or weight.
I recommend you learn how to install a car seat without the base. Such knowledge is necessary when you need to board a taxi, Uber, or cab.
Minnesota Car Seat Laws for Car Rentals
Minnesota car seat laws for car rentals require that a vehicle been offered for rent or lease be provided with a child restraint device to a customer who requests it.
The law further states that a reasonable fee may be charged for the restraint device.
Can You Leave A Child in Your Car Alone in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not have a law prohibiting you from leaving your child unattended or unsupervised in a car.
But it would be best if you weren’t doing that. It is estimated that every year, between 30 and 50 babies die due to hypothermia and heat illness in the U. S. after being left in a car.
You wouldn’t want that, right.
Smoking Around Children in Cars – is it illegal?
Regulations in Minnesota prohibit smoking in several areas, including public transportation vehicles.
However, Minnesota doesn’t prohibit smoking in a private car, but you shouldn’t do that with kids around. Secondhand smoke isn’t good for a child’s health. Infants and young children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Getting Help in Minnesota
These are reliable go-to resources for help in and around Minnesota when it has to do with car seat – inspection, fitting stations, check-ups, and more;
Final wrap up
I do hope you were equipped better with this piece of information about the car seat laws in Minnesota. You may find it helpful to learn other guides about your infant car seat.
A pregnant mom and asking when you can buy a car seat or how to choose a car seat? This guide will be very helpful.
It is also essential to know that car seats have expiration dates. Here’s how to check yours.
