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Children must be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall.

Children must be in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first. For example:

  • If your child is 8 years or older, but under 4'9" tall, the law does not apply.
  • If your child is under 8 years old, but over 4'9" tall, the law does not apply.

Remember: In both of these cases, your child may be safer in a booster seat but it is not required by law.

Types of booster seats

A booster is a seat that boosts a child up so that the seat belt fits properly. There are two types of booster seats, no-back and high-back.

A no-back booster can be used when the vehicle seat/head rest supports the child’s head.

A high-back provides head and neck support and can be used on vehicle seats with or without head restraints.

ALL booster seats MUST be used with a lap/shoulder safety belt.

More information

Best practice is to keep your child in a car seat with a “5-point” harness until they are at least 40 lbs. before using a booster seat. Some car seats have higher forward-facing harness weight limits of 40-65 lbs. Some forward-facing seats also convert to a high-back booster. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and choose a seat that is right for your child and fits in your vehicle.

Booster seats are readily available in many retail stores. A no-back booster costs about $15 and a high-back ranges from $20-$100 or more depending on the style.

For more information on child restraints, click here. To find a car seat check near you, click here. Send questions about the new law to hockansonh@michigan.gov