What's New?

New MN Law—Child Safety Seats

Minnesota’s law now coincide with Wisconsin’s that was put into effect in 2006. This will impact group transportation for the Daisy and Brownie troops. The law states there is no exceptions beyond those stated. It will need to be the responsibility of the parents to ensure that safety seats are provided when traveling, but it will be the driver who will be held responsible if a child under the height and weight restrictions is not in a proper safety seat.

Wisconsin child safety seat law

Went into effect June 1st, 2006 (under Wisconsin Statute 347.48(4)

In basic terms:

·  Children must be in a car seat until they reach age 4 and in a booster seat until they reach age 8

    o    Less than 1 year old, or less than 20 lbs. must be in a rear-facing child seat in the back seat (if so equipped)

o    Age 1 to age 4, or less than 40 lbs. must be in a forward-facing child seat in the back seat (if so equipped)

o    Age 4 to age 8, between 40-80 lbs., and no more than 4 ft. 9 ins. must be in a booster seat

·    The fines remain the same, although tiered for ages 0-4 and ages 4-8

·    The exemption allowing temporary removal of a child from a restraint to attend to personal needs has been removed

·    The exemption for physical, medical, or body size condition still applies to booster seats and seat belts

New child safety seat law fact sheet

What Does Minnesota Law Say?
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Minnesota's law
Exceptions to the law
Best practices

Minnesota's Child Passenger Restraint Law Effective July 1, 2009
Minnesota Statute 169.685

·         Changes to Minnesota Law: Effective July 1, 2009, a child who is both under age 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches is required to be fastened in a child safety seat that meets federal safety standards. Under this law, a child cannot use a seat belt alone until they are age 8, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. It is recommended to keep a child in a booster based on their height rather than their age. (Check the instruction book or label of the child safety seat to be sure it is the right seat for your child’s weight and height.)

·         Safety seats must be installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

·         Child must be secured (buckled) in the safety seat.

·         Seat must be secured to the vehicle.

·         Infants (under 20 pounds and one year of age) must be in a rear-facing safety seat.

·         Law applies to all motor vehicles originally built with factory-installed seat belts.

·         Law applies to all seating positions — everybody, every seat, every time.

·         Driver is responsible.

·         Petty misdemeanor fine for violation is $50 (may be waived if violator shows proof of obtaining a safety seat within 14 days).

·         Applies to both residents and non-residents of Minnesota.

·         Suspected non-use is a valid basis to stop a motor vehicle.