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Child Passenger Safety
Why is child passenger safety important?
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children ages 1-13.
- 69% of deaths and severe injuries could be prevented with proper use of child safety seats.
- 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly.
Minnesota laws protect children and adults from crashes
- Since July 1, 2009, Minnesota state law requires that children age 7 and under be restrained in an appropriate, federally approved car seat or booster seat, unless the child is 4'9" or taller.
- Minnesota law also requires that infants under one year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
- Car seats must be installed and used according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Minnesota law now allows law enforcement to stop motorists who are in violation of the law that requires drivers and passengers in all seating positions to be buckled up or in the correct child restraint.
Other child passenger safety resources:
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posts information about inspection clinics, distribution programs or how to find a child safety seat specialist in your area.
- Click on the Child Safety tab at www.carinsurance.org for comprehensive information.
- For simple instructions on choosing a car seat and how to properly install a child safety seat visit Car Seats Made Simple .
- Families with limited income may be eligible to receive a seat at no cost. Call Dakota County Public Health at 952 891-7529 to check eligibility.
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This page was last updated on: 01/23/2012
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