Michigan Seat Belt Laws

Michigan has a primary seat belt law, which means law enforcement can stop and ticket motorists solely for not being buckled up. The law requires:

  • Passengers 8-15 to buckle up in all seating positions
  • Drivers and front seat passengers to be buckled up
  • FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MICHIGAN LAW AND VEHICLE CODE, CLICK HERE.

Michigan's child passenger safety law requires:

  • Children younger than age 4 to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.
  • Children to be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.

It's important to remember that children lead by example. Child restraint use drops by 40% when parents and guardians ride without their seat belts. Consistently remind your children to buckle up properly the whole ride, and never assume they’re buckled up! Always buckle up before moving the car, no matter how short or routine the drive, and make sure all children are buckled up properly.

The Proper Seat Belt Fit for Your Child

The risk of injury among child passengers is significantly higher when their seat belts are loose and/or improperly positioned. To learn about the proper seat belt fit for your child, click here.

Child Car Restraint