New Seat Belt Law to Impact Minnesota Drivers

Minnesota drivers will soon face stricter regulations regarding child passenger safety. A new law, set to take effect on August 1, 2024, will significantly change how children must be secured in vehicles.

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The updated legislation, which amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.685, provides specific guidelines for child passenger restraint systems.

It replaces the previous law that relied primarily on car seat manufacturers' instructions.

Key changes include:

1. A child younger than two years of age must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system with an internal harness, until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system.
2. A child who is at least two years of age and exceeds the rear-facing weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system must be properly restrained in a forward-facing child passenger restraint system with an internal harness, until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system.
3. A child who is at least four years of age and exceeds the weight or height limit of the forward-facing child passenger restraint system must be properly restrained in a booster seat and secured with a safety belt.
4. A child who is at least nine years of age or exceeds the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system or the booster seat must be secured with a safety belt adjusted and fastened around the child's body to fit correctly.
5. A child who is younger than 13 years of age must be transported in the rear seat of a motor vehicle, when available, and must be properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat or secured with a safety belt.

The law specifies that "a child who, because of age or weight, can be placed in more than one category under this paragraph must be placed in the more protective category."

Mike Hanson, Director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, emphasized the importance of these changes: "We all want our children to be as safe as possible while we're driving, and that means making sure they are in the proper child restraint. The new law lays out best practices and will help parents make the best decision to protect their child."

Violations of the new law will be considered a petty misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $50.

However, the fine may be waived or the amount reduced if the violator produces evidence that within 14 days after the date of the violation, a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards was purchased or obtained for the exclusive use of the operator.

As Minnesota families prepare for these changes, it's crucial for parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and ensure their child restraint systems comply with the updated regulations.

For more detailed information, Minnesotans are encouraged to visit the Department of Public Safety website or consult with local law enforcement agencies.