Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan law requires:

• Children under age 8 must ride in a properly installed car seat or booster seat, unless 4 feet 9 inches tall.
• Passengers age 8 to 15 must be buckled up at all times, in all seating positions.

It is very important that an infant stay rear-facing until at least age one and 20 pounds. The vertebrae in a child's neck are not completely developed until age one. Infants have large, heavy heads on a "weak" stem (neck). That is why infants face the rear of the vehicle - so that their entire body will take the force in a crash. If you turn them around to face forward too soon, their large heavy heads are thrown forward which presents a very high risk of a brain injury, broken neck, spinal cord damage, etc. Your infant should remain rear-facing in a convertible seat until at least age one. You should look for a convertible model that goes rear-facing to at least 30 pounds. Be sure to check the manufacturer's directions on the seat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website maintains the list of all certified child passenger safety technicians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website maintains the list of all recalls. You can also register your child safety seat, so the manufacturer can automatically contact you if there is a recall for your child's seat. If your car is registered with the Michigan Secretary of State, and a part on your car is recalled, the car manufacturer will contact you through the Michigan Secretary of State's list of registered vehicles.