Minnesota Has a New Child Booster Seat Law
8/25/2009
By: Kate Westad
Effective July 1, 2009, 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.
According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, kids that are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches are not ready to use a seat belt alone. Poor belt fit can contribute to death or serious injury — including ejection, internal decapitation and serious abdominal damage. A sign a belt does not fit properly is if it rubs against a child’s neck, or the child tucks the belt behind their back.
Both resident and non-resident drivers who violate the new law will be ticketed for a petty misdemeanor and the fine is $50. Suspected violation of the law is also a valid basis for police to pull over your vehicle.
Check out additional Booster Fact Sheets and Resources at the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety website: www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us.
Brought to you by Lommen Abdo attorney Kate G. Westad and www.womeninjurylawyers.com.